ROSSENDALE PAEDOPHILE DAVID MCKAY CAUGHT WITH OVER 600 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Rossendale community, David McKay, aged 38, was found to possess an alarming collection of more than 600 indecent images of children. The incident came to light after police executed a search at his residence in Rossendale in June of the previous year. During the raid, officers seized a mobile phone and an iPad, which became central to the investigation.

Initially, McKay claimed that his use of the devices was solely for gaming purposes. He explained to police that he had accessed a link within a gaming app that led him to the illicit images. Based on this explanation, he was released from custody. However, subsequent forensic analysis revealed that his account was false. Authorities uncovered 168 images classified as Category A, which depict the most severe form of child exploitation. In addition, they found 104 images categorized as B, 387 images in Category C, and one image that was explicitly prohibited.

Following this discovery, police re-arrested McKay in January and brought him in for further questioning. He was formally charged with three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited image. The case was brought before Preston Crown Court, where Recorder Daniel Prowse presided over the proceedings.

During the sentencing, Recorder Prowse emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “The reality of the situation is that each one of those children is a real child and each one is being sexually abused and has been harmed physically and psychologically.” He detailed that the images depicted children aged between nine and thirteen, with some of the images involving much younger children, underscoring the heinous nature of the crimes.

While acknowledging that McKay had limited previous convictions and was considered a man of good character, the judge criticized his lack of honesty regarding his interests in children. Prowse noted that McKay had been forthcoming about his willingness to cooperate with probation, but his initial denial about the extent of his offending was a serious concern.

As a result of the court's findings, McKay was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete an accredited sex offender treatment program and to perform 150 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was placed under notification requirements for a period of ten years and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration, aimed at monitoring and restricting his activities to prevent further harm.