DAVID LIGHTFOOT FROM SCARBOROUGH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY

In a case that has shocked the community of Scarborough, David Lightfoot, a man with a background in both the Navy and the Prison Service, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found in possession of child pornography. The incident came to light when his wife, after three years of marriage, discovered disturbing files on his laptop and promptly reported him to the authorities.

According to court proceedings at York Crown Court, Lightfoot, aged 58, had previously served in the Navy from his teenage years, completing a seven-year stint. Following his naval career, he spent 14 years working for the Prison Service. However, health issues forced him to leave his employment. Despite his professional background, the allegations against him have cast a shadow over his reputation.

The incident unfolded on August 5, 2010, when Lightfoot was away visiting his parents. His wife, who was aware that he occasionally accessed adult content online, decided to use his computer out of curiosity or concern. It was during this moment that she discovered a folder labeled 'adult.' Upon opening this file, she was confronted with a disturbing collection of images—specifically, 30 thumbnail pictures depicting child pornography. The court was told that these images included some rated at Level 5, indicating the most severe and extreme category of such material.

Realizing the gravity of her find, she immediately contacted Lightfoot and confronted him about the content on his computer. The court heard that she then reported the matter to the police. When she called Lightfoot back to inform him of her discovery, he responded with a series of excuses and, distressingly, threatened to take his own life. This reaction underscored the seriousness of the situation and the emotional turmoil involved.

A forensic examination of Lightfoot’s computer confirmed the presence of over 3,100 images related to child exploitation. The investigation revealed that some of these images were rated at the highest level of severity, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material he possessed.

In court, Lightfoot admitted to the possession of these images. His defense highlighted his previous service record, including his time in the Navy and the Prison Service. Despite this, the judge decided against a custodial sentence, opting instead for a six-month jail term suspended for two years. Additionally, Lightfoot was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his activities and requires him to notify police if he changes his address within the next seven years. He was also ordered to attend a specialized course for sexual offenders, aiming to address his behavior and prevent future offenses.

This case has raised concerns within the Scarborough community about the presence of such disturbing material and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.