COLIN GOYMER CONISTON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL: HORRIFIC CRIME LEAVES COMMUNITY SHOCKED

In October 2009, a disturbing case emerged from the quiet village of Coniston involving Colin Goymer, a man with a deeply troubling history. Goymer, who has only one leg, became the focus of a serious criminal investigation after authorities uncovered his involvement in the possession and download of a vast collection of child pornography. His residence in Little Moss, Coniston, was reportedly turned into a dangerous 'honeypot' for young children, raising alarm among local residents and prompting police intervention.

Goymer, aged 55 at the time, faced multiple charges after it was revealed that he had downloaded approximately 1,000 indecent images of children, some of which depicted real abuse. The police were alerted to his activities when he himself contacted a helpline, expressing concern over his increasing obsession with more extreme and disturbing images. This self-reporting was a critical step that led to further investigation.

Residents of Coniston had also voiced their concerns, particularly about Goymer’s behavior in the community. Reports indicated that he was inviting groups of children, some as young as five, into his home, which was not only inappropriate but also highly dangerous. The local community was deeply troubled by the possibility that children were being exposed to an environment where they could be manipulated or harmed.

During the court proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, it was revealed that Goymer had admitted to 15 charges related to the downloading of indecent images, many of which involved young girls as young as five. While some images were computer-generated, others were actual photographs depicting children being abused. The court also heard that Goymer’s computer was not password protected, making it accessible to children who visited his home. Authorities found that he had allowed children to drink and smoke at his residence, further exposing them to inappropriate influences.

On February 18, police executed a search warrant at Goymer’s home. During the investigation, he showed officers some of the images he had downloaded. Importantly, police clarified that Goymer was not part of any paedophile network and had not shared these images with others. Goymer, who disclosed that he had been abused as a child himself, claimed that he did not derive sexual gratification from the images but admitted that he found some pleasure in viewing them.

Further disturbing evidence was uncovered, including sexually explicit graffiti scrawled on the walls of his lounge by children who had visited his home. The situation escalated days after his guilty plea when Goymer attempted to evade police in his motorized wheelchair. He drove onto the jetty at Coniston, where he became stuck, and then engaged in a physical altercation with officers, during which he dropped a knife into the lake.

It was also revealed during court proceedings that despite the community’s concerns, two local families continued to allow Goymer to visit their homes and interact with their children. This fact surprised Judge Peter Hughes QC, who expressed concern over the ongoing risk he posed. Numerous letters from residents had been sent to the court, emphasizing their worry about Goymer’s continued presence in the village.

In sentencing, Judge Hughes emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “The ready availability of child pornography on the internet is deplorable.” He highlighted the importance of restricting access to such material online and described Goymer’s bungalow as a dangerous ‘honeypot’ for children, where they could do as they pleased. The judge condemned the fact that Goymer had actively invited children into his home, creating a highly sexualized environment, as evidenced by the obscene graffiti.

Goymer was sentenced to six months in prison for each of the 15 counts of downloading indecent images, to be served concurrently. An additional two-month sentence was handed down for carrying a knife. Due to his wheelchair-bound status, it is expected that he will serve approximately four months in total. He will also remain on the sex offenders register for life and was placed under a sexual offenders prevention order, which prohibits him from coming within 50 yards of any school. Furthermore, he is now banned from downloading any form of pornography again, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the community’s need for protection.