DAVID MCCANN FROM NETTLEHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN LINCOLN

In December 2016, a man from Nettleham, identified as David McCann, was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Lincoln Crown Court after being found in possession of a significant number of child abuse images. The investigation into McCann’s activities was initiated after authorities received credible information suggesting that he had been uploading indecent images onto the internet.

During a police search of McCann’s residence in May 2015, officers discovered a computer hard-drive stored within his garage. The hard-drive contained nearly 6,000 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as three years old. The severity of the material found was alarming, highlighting the extent of the illegal content stored on his device.

Further inquiries revealed that McCann had actively searched for paedophile-related websites using both his mobile phone and the hard-drive. This pattern of online activity raised serious concerns about his intentions and involvement in the distribution or viewing of such material.

In police interviews, McCann admitted to having a sexual interest in children. However, he denied that the images found on his devices were directly linked to him, claiming that he had stopped viewing such content. He also stated that the hard-drive belonged to another man he had met during a sex offender counselling session, which he was required to attend following a previous conviction in 2005.

McCann pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of a child. His legal team argued that he was suffering from an addiction and acknowledged the seriousness of his actions. Despite this, the court sentenced him to 16 months in prison, ordered him to register as a sex offender, and imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. This order aims to restrict his activities and prevent further offending once he is released from custody.

In mitigation, David Eager, representing McCann, emphasized that his client cared for his elderly grandparents and recognized the gravity of his offences. Eager also highlighted that McCann had taken responsibility by admitting to the charges, which the court considered during sentencing.