DAVID BOLTON FROM GLOUCESTER AND OXFORD JAILED FOR CHILD AND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY
In a case that has shocked the local communities of Gloucester and Oxford, registered sex offender David Bolton has been sentenced to prison after authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images depicting children and animals on his electronic devices.David Bolton, aged 49 and a father of one, had previously been placed on the sex offender register in 2012 following a court case in Oxford, where he was residing at the time.
His conviction stemmed from admitting to possessing child abuse images, which led to his registration as a sex offender.
Despite this, Bolton relocated to Tredworth Road in Gloucester, seeking to escape the intense bullying and public scrutiny that followed his offences in Oxford.
However, his attempt at a fresh start was short-lived.
The Gloucester Crown Court heard that Bolton soon relapsed into illegal activity, once again downloading and possessing indecent images of children and animals.
The court was informed that on July 2 of the previous year, two police officers conducted a routine check at Bolton’s residence, as part of their ongoing monitoring of registered sex offenders.
During the visit, officers observed that Bolton’s computer was turned on, and he appeared visibly agitated, especially when officers inquired about his iPod Touch.
It was noted that Bolton was actively deleting files from his devices, which raised suspicion.
When questioned, Bolton admitted to having more illegal material stored on his devices.
Subsequent investigations revealed that his computer contained a staggering total of 1,032 indecent images of children, with an additional 115 images found on his iPod.
Prosecutor Mark Hollier explained that the majority of the images on Bolton’s devices were classified as the least serious level one.
Nonetheless, there were four images at level three and five at level four on his computer, depicting young girls aged approximately five to twelve years old.
The images on his iPod included four at level two, seven at level three, and 34 at level four, with the girls in these images estimated to be between four and nine years old.
During the court proceedings, Bolton pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
He admitted to four counts of making indecent images, three counts of possessing indecent images, and one count of possessing extreme pornography.
His defense lawyer, Joe Maloney, explained that Bolton had previously been ordered in September 2012 to attend various courses aimed at addressing his sexual issues.
Unfortunately, these courses were not available in Gloucester at the time of his move, which hindered his ability to complete the treatment.
Maloney added that Bolton’s relocation to Gloucester was motivated by a desire to escape the problems he faced in Oxford and because his partner had connections in the city.
Judge Tabor sentenced Bolton to four months in prison for his offences committed in Oxford and an additional eight months for the new offences committed in Gloucester, to be served consecutively.
The judge emphasized the severity of Bolton’s actions, stating, “Some of these pictures were horrific.
They show little children being abused by adults in a depraved manner.” He further explained that Bolton’s previous community order, which included treatment to understand the root causes of his offending, had been undermined by his relapse and subsequent move.
The judge highlighted the dangerous nature of such illegal material, noting that it fuels the cycle of abuse and empowers criminal gangs involved in child exploitation.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Bolton, who continue to access and distribute such heinous images despite previous convictions and interventions.
