DAVID DENNERLEY FROM BASELIDON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ONLINE SEXUAL OFFENCES
A man from Basildon who engaged in online sexual offenses involving minors has been sentenced to prison.David Dennerley, of Crest Avenue, was convicted after a school teacher discovered sexual messages he had sent to a girl and alerted her parents.
The 42-year-old was sentenced to one year and four months in jail at Basildon Crown Court.
During the investigation, police raided Dennerley's home in September and uncovered 110 indecent images and videos depicting children.
They also found approximately 48 sexual conversations with minors on his electronic devices.
Prosecutor Matthew Bagnall stated: "He sent naked images of himself to the girls online and they sent images back as well." The court was told that on March 9, Dennerley sent a message to a girl calling her 'stunning,' prompting them to begin chatting online.
The girl explicitly told him she was underage, yet he continued to initiate sexual conversations.
The school teacher who discovered these messages reported the situation to her parents, leading to the police investigation.
Police executed a search warrant at his residence on September 7, uncovering the devices containing the indecent images, videos, and numerous similar conversations with other individuals claiming to be minors.
In mitigation, Sasha Bailey explained that Dennerley was caring for his sick parents, stating: "His father has significant arthritis with deteriorating bones, and since he was 11, Dennerley has cared for both of his parents.
His mother suffers from back and thyroid issues." Bailey added that Dennerley claimed he was under stress and fatigue at the time of the offenses, which he said contributed to his behavior.
Judge Samantha Cohen remarked on the severity, saying: "You had more than 100 indecent images and one video of a young girl being sexually assaulted.
You also engaged in 48 sexual conversations with girls.
This is very serious, and I cannot suspend your sentence."
