DAVID CHADWICK FROM FILTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN BRISTOL

In February 2010, a man from Bristol, identified as David Chadwick, was brought before the court on charges related to the possession and creation of a substantial collection of child pornography. Chadwick, aged 36 and residing on Glebelands Road in the suburb of Filton, was found to have spent over five years compiling a vast library of indecent images depicting children as young as six years old.

His arrest followed an intelligence operation that linked him to child pornography websites. Police officers, acting on this information, conducted a raid on his residence in July 2008. During the search, they confiscated his computer, along with numerous discs and memory sticks, which contained the illicit material. An examination of these devices later revealed a staggering total of 3,420 indecent images and videos, all downloaded by Chadwick between April 2003 and July 21, 2008.

Prosecutor Richard Posner outlined the extent of Chadwick’s activities during the hearing at Bristol Crown Court. He explained that the defendant had engaged in a deliberate and sustained effort to seek out and download images of child abuse. Evidence showed that Chadwick had bookmarked over 100 web pages and banners related to indecent images of children, indicating a premeditated and methodical approach to building his collection.

Most of the illicit images were stored on a laptop and memory sticks, but additional copies were found on discs and a backup hard drive. The images predominantly depicted prepubescent children, some as young as six, with others aged up to 14. The investigation revealed that Chadwick’s collection was not incidental but the result of a determined search for such material.

In court, Julie Phillips, defending Chadwick, described him as a “very upright member of society and law-abiding gentleman,” who had now acknowledged that he had a problem. Despite her client’s claims of good character, the court was presented with overwhelming evidence of his involvement in the creation and possession of child pornography.

Judge Carol Hagen delivered the sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses. She stated, “You pleaded guilty to what I hope you now realize are serious offences because they deal with the exploitation of young children. People such as you who view them add to their exploitation.” As part of his punishment, Chadwick was given a three-year community order, which includes a requirement to complete a sexual offender treatment program. Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for five years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to society.