DALE HUNTER FROM FIFE CAUGHT ACCESSING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES DESPITE INTERNET BAN

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing issues surrounding online child exploitation, Dale Hunter, a resident of Fife, was found to have violated court-imposed restrictions by accessing illicit images of children. Hunter, aged 25 and living on Greenbank Drive in Cowdenbeath, had previously been convicted of offenses related to child abuse and was legally prohibited from possessing any device capable of connecting to the internet.

Despite these restrictions, Hunter sought to access further illegal content. The situation came to light when police officers, conducting an unannounced visit to his home, attempted to locate him. During this visit, Hunter’s mother inadvertently provided crucial information that led to the discovery of his illicit activities. She informed officers that Hunter could be contacted via his mobile phone, which she intended to call. This statement was significant because Hunter had previously denied owning a mobile device.

Following this lead, law enforcement officials seized both a mobile phone and a laptop from Hunter’s residence. Subsequent investigations revealed that Hunter had been using these devices to access and download additional child abuse images. The police confirmed that the mobile phone in question was an iPhone, which was connected to the same phone number his mother had provided. This device was found to have internet access, contradicting Hunter’s earlier claims that he did not possess a mobile phone.

Further inquiries included speaking with Hunter’s then-partner, who confirmed that he had always owned a mobile device. During police interviews, Hunter admitted that he had used the internet while on bail and disclosed that he had purchased a laptop in November 2013, also while on bail. The investigation uncovered a total of fourteen images depicting children aged between three and ten years old stored on his iPhone.

Hunter’s criminal record includes previous convictions, and he faced charges for breaching bail conditions multiple times between April 19, 2013, and February 14, 2014. He also pleaded guilty to downloading illegal images during the period from July 1, 2013, to February 14 of an unspecified year. His actions not only violated court orders but also contributed to the ongoing problem of child exploitation online.

During the court proceedings at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Deputy Fiscal Beverly A. Adam detailed the case, emphasizing Hunter’s denial of owning a mobile phone initially, which was later contradicted by evidence. Hunter’s defense attorney, Toni Pentecost, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “He’s aware of the very serious repercussions that there could be for him.”

Sheriff James Williamson sentenced Hunter to a community payback order with supervision and mandated that he register on the sex offenders register. The sheriff also remarked on the pattern of offending, noting, “Within a short period of time after pleading guilty to directly analogous offenses, you committed further offenses,” underscoring the seriousness of Hunter’s repeated violations and illegal activities.