DAVID HACKER FROM CRAWLEY JAILED IN SUSSEX FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN NATIONAL CRACKDOWN

In a significant development within Sussex's ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation, David Hacker, a resident of Crawley, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in possessing and creating indecent images of children. This case marks a notable milestone as Hacker becomes the first individual in Sussex to be incarcerated under the recent nationwide crackdown on child pornography.

Hacker, aged 52 and residing at Caburn Heights, Southgate West in Crawley, was apprehended following a crucial tip-off from authorities in the United States. The American law enforcement agencies provided information indicating that Hacker had downloaded explicit images depicting children engaged in sexual acts. This intelligence was part of a broader operation that targeted over 7,000 individuals across the country, including well-known figures such as rock star Pete Townshend. The data shared by U.S. authorities led Sussex Police to take swift action.

As part of Operation Ore, Sussex Police executed a raid on Hacker’s residence in Crawley. During the operation, they seized his computer and various other electronic devices. A detailed examination of his hard drive revealed the presence of 20 pornographic images featuring young children. Further investigation uncovered that Hacker had copied these images onto compact discs and floppy disks, indicating an attempt to store and possibly distribute the illicit material.

Hacker was brought before Hove Crown Court, where he faced multiple charges. He pleaded guilty to 20 counts of creating indecent images of children, and his plea was accepted. Consequently, he was sentenced to four months in prison. The court also mandated that Hacker register as a sex offender, a requirement that will remain in effect for at least seven years. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register, a measure aimed at monitoring his activities and ensuring public safety.

During the proceedings, the court heard about the impact of Hacker’s arrest on his family. It was revealed that his arrest in May last year had caused significant distress within his household. His 15-year-old son, in particular, had not returned to school since the incident, highlighting the personal toll of the case.

Prosecutor Miss Ann Toynbee stated that Hacker admitted to downloading the images from the internet. He also disclosed that he had been a victim of abuse himself, having been molested by a cousin during his childhood. Importantly, she clarified that there was no evidence to suggest that Hacker’s own children or family members had been subjected to abuse or had been shown the images in question. Hacker cooperated fully with police investigations and expressed remorse for his actions.

Defense lawyer Mr. Brian Aldred described Hacker as a man of previously good character. He emphasized the emotional and familial strain caused by the case, underscoring the personal consequences of his client’s actions.

Judge Richard Hayward, presiding over the case, delivered a stern warning about the broader implications of such offenses. He remarked, “At the time, you may not have given thought to the damage being done by these appalling pictures. In order for people with your inclinations to be able to view such material, children in this country and all over the world are being abused. This has become a huge industry.” The judge’s comments underscored the seriousness of the crime and the societal harm caused by the proliferation of child pornography.