DAVID GAERTNER FROM RICHMOND JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the community of Richmond, North Yorkshire, David Gaertner, a 64-year-old genealogist known for his work in locating missing heirs, has been sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing crimes involving the possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

Gaertner’s criminal activities spanned over two years, from March 31, 2014, to March 22, 2016, during which he downloaded and possessed numerous illegal images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Despite having previously been convicted and sentenced to an eight-month prison term in April 2014—suspended for two years—he continued his illicit activities, demonstrating a blatant disregard for court orders and rehabilitation efforts.

Prosecutor Rob Galley outlined to York Crown Court that Gaertner employed various internet techniques to conceal his activities from law enforcement authorities. Despite these efforts, police monitoring his online behavior led to his eventual arrest and charges. Authorities discovered that Gaertner had downloaded two illegal photographs while on bail for earlier offenses, and he had accessed two illegal videos while under a suspended sentence and subject to a sexual offences prevention order. Forensic analysis of his computer revealed approximately 600 deleted indecent images of children, along with search terms indicating he had actively searched for content involving the sexual abuse of minors. Some of these images were stored on iCloud accounts, further complicating efforts to track his activities.

Gaertner’s home address was identified as Castle Wynd, Richmond, where he resided with his wife. He was a founder of the Federation of Probate and Asset Researchers Ltd and co-established Wishbone Family Research. His guilty pleas included charges of possessing indecent images and extreme pornography, with the offenses occurring over a period of nearly two years.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Andrew Stubbs QC expressed profound concern over Gaertner’s mindset, particularly noting that he believed some of the child victims appeared to be enjoying what was being done to them—a disturbing indication of his distorted perception. The judge emphasized that Gaertner’s actions demonstrated an inability to control his impulses, despite previous interventions and court orders.

In light of his continued offending, Gaertner was sentenced to 20 months in prison, with four months of his previous suspended sentence now activated. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which mandates ongoing police monitoring of his online activities. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated, especially given Gaertner’s repeated violations of court orders and his failure to benefit from rehabilitative efforts.

Holly Betke, representing Gaertner, acknowledged that he had “deep-seated” issues stemming from childhood abuse, which contributed to his criminal behavior. She argued that he required psychiatric help, but the court was unable to order such treatment. Gaertner maintained that he believed he had made progress in managing his illegal desires, but the court’s ruling clearly indicated that his continued offending demonstrated otherwise.

Earlier, in November 2016, Gaertner was warned that he faced jail time for his ongoing offenses, despite being under supervision and court orders designed to prevent further crimes. His repeated violations, including possessing and viewing illegal images and videos of children, led to the current sentencing. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his actions and the ongoing threat he poses to the community of Richmond and beyond.