DAVID BLUM CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORN IN BUSHEY: SHOCKING CASE AT SIGMACOM UK

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bushey, David Blum, a 62-year-old computer manager, was apprehended after a colleague discovered inappropriate images on his computer screen. The incident unfolded in March 2008 at Blum's workplace, Sigmacom UK, a business situated along High Road in Bushey. The company is owned by Blum's brother-in-law, which added a layer of complexity to the case.

Blum's arrest was the culmination of an investigation that revealed he had downloaded hundreds of indecent images depicting children as young as five years old. The authorities found approximately 4,000 illegal images stored across Blum's personal and work computers. However, his defense attorney, Clare Montgomery, clarified that many of these images were duplicates, and the majority were classified as the least severe, known as 'level one' images. Despite the volume, she emphasized that the images were of a less serious nature.

During the court proceedings at St Albans Crown Court, Blum admitted to multiple charges, including 12 counts of creating indecent images of children and one count of possession with intent to distribute such material. The court was informed that Blum was still employed by Sigmacom UK, earning a salary exceeding £27,000 annually. Interestingly, he continued to work for the company even after his arrest, although his role had been reduced to a junior position involving data entry at his home in Cranmere Road, Edgware. This change was due to colleagues' refusal to work alongside him, reflecting the social repercussions of his actions.

Blum's defense argued that his family members were deeply shocked and appalled by his conduct, yet most wished to support him and help him move past this dark chapter. Clare Montgomery highlighted that Blum's current employment was more out of familial charity than necessity, and she stressed his fear of imprisonment. The judge, Michael Baker, acknowledged the potential for rehabilitation outside prison and sentenced Blum to a three-year community order. Under this order, Blum will be supervised, required to attend a sex offenders' program, and will be subject to restrictions on his internet usage. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,000 and will be registered on the Sex Offenders' Register for five years.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and it raises questions about the rehabilitation prospects for offenders involved in such heinous crimes.