CRAIG ALLEN FROM ASHBOURNE CAUGHT WITH INDECENT CHILD IMAGES IN DERBY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ashbourne, Derby Crown Court heard how a local man, Craig Allen, was caught possessing a significant collection of indecent images of children. The incident came to light after Allen’s partner’s young daughter discovered his illicit collection on his laptop, leading to a series of events that culminated in his arrest and subsequent conviction.

According to court records, the young girl, whose identity remains protected, found the images stored on Craig Allen’s device and showed her mother. The mother, upon seeing the disturbing content, immediately ended her relationship with Allen and contacted law enforcement authorities. This prompt action was instrumental in initiating the investigation that uncovered the extent of Allen’s illegal activities.

Police officers executed a search warrant at Allen’s residence on Mercaston Lane, Ashbourne. During the search, they seized his laptop and computer, which contained a total of 541 indecent images of children. These images were categorized from level one to level four, with level five being the most graphic and severe. The majority of the images—specifically 532—were classified as level one, indicating less severe content but still unlawful due to the age of the children depicted. The remaining images included three at level two, three at level three, and three at level four, highlighting a range of severity within the collection.

Craig Allen, aged 40 at the time, was initially arrested in November 2009. During police interviews, he denied any involvement with the images. However, after further investigation, he eventually pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images and two counts of possession of indecent images in front of Derby Crown Court.

Recorder Paul Mann QC addressed the court, emphasizing that most of the material was classified as level one, which is primarily due to the age of the children involved rather than the explicitness of the images. He explained, “Very much most of the material is only level one. It is because of the age of the children in the photos, rather than anything else, that makes them unlawful and indecent.”

Following his conviction, Craig Allen was sentenced to a three-year community order that includes supervision requirements. The court also imposed strict restrictions on his future conduct, including a ban from working with children and a prohibition from residing with children under the age of 16 unless they are a blood relative. Additionally, Allen was ordered to refrain from using any computer software designed to delete internet activity and was mandated to sign the sex offenders’ register for the next five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.