DAVID MCMASTER FAILSWORTH GP CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN LYM

In September 2015, a disturbing case involving David McMaster, a general practitioner based in Failsworth, came to light as he faced severe professional and legal consequences for his involvement in possessing and distributing a staggering number of indecent images of children. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) conducted a detailed hearing that concluded McMaster’s fitness to practice medicine was fundamentally impaired due to his criminal conduct.

McMaster, aged 50 at the time, had previously pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images. The charges included three counts of making indecent images, two counts of possessing indecent images, and one count of possessing indecent images with intent to distribute. These charges stemmed from his arrest following a police raid on his home in Lymm, Cheshire, on June 28, 2014. During the raid, authorities uncovered an alarming collection of 120,675 indecent images of children, along with 30 extreme pornographic videos, highlighting the severity and scale of his offenses.

Following his arrest, McMaster was sentenced at Warrington Crown Court. He received a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to complete an internet sex offender’s treatment program, placed on the sex offenders register for ten years, and required to pay costs amounting to £500. Notably, McMaster was absent from the hearing and did not have legal representation present. As a result, the tribunal panel decided to erase his name from the medical register, effectively revoking his license to practice medicine.

The panel emphasized the gravity of McMaster’s conduct, stating, “The conduct which resulted in Dr McMaster’s conviction was so serious as to be fundamentally incompatible with continued registration.” They underscored that such actions posed a significant threat to public safety and confidence in the medical profession. The panel highlighted that McMaster had accessed indecent images of children, including very young children, over an extended period. The large volume of images and the fact that he engaged in distribution were considered particularly egregious and served as aggravating factors.

In a letter dated July 6, 2014, addressed to the General Medical Council, McMaster expressed deep remorse, stating he was “extremely ashamed and apologetic” for his actions. He acknowledged that his behavior fell well below the standards expected of a medical professional and admitted that various personal and professional factors contributed to his misconduct. Despite this, he took full responsibility for his actions and their impact on his family, his career, and the medical community. He also mentioned that he had already contacted a charity to seek counseling and support for his issues.

In a subsequent court appearance in May 2015, McMaster faced further scrutiny. He pleaded guilty to six charges related to the possession of hundreds of thousands of indecent images of children, including categories A, B, and C, as well as images intended for distribution. The court heard that the police had raided his Lymm home in June 2014, uncovering a vast collection of illegal material dating back to July 2007. The charges included possession of 1,811 category A images, 1,856 category B images, and 170,008 category C images, along with 6,435 images with intent to distribute and 13 extreme pornographic videos.

His defense attorney, Simon Christie, described McMaster as a highly dedicated GP who had worked tirelessly in his profession. However, he explained that an addiction had overtaken him, leading to the possession of these images and ultimately destroying his career and personal life. Christie emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest McMaster was actively involved in distributing the images, and that he had taken steps to address his addiction, including paying for counseling courses. The lawyer argued that McMaster’s life needed a fresh start.

Judge Woodward addressed the court, stating, “Over a long period of time you have been accessing indecent images of children. The stresses you were under with work, your finances and relationship were factors but it in no way explains or excuses what you did.” The judge highlighted that McMaster, as a trained medical professional, should have been fully aware of the severe harm caused by such offenses. The court acknowledged the devastating impact on McMaster’s family, who must have been shocked upon discovering his actions.

As part of his sentence, McMaster was ordered to complete an internet sex offenders’ treatment program and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years. He was also banned from working with children or vulnerable adults indefinitely. The General Medical Council had already suspended him in July 2014, pending further investigations, and this suspension remains until the GMC concludes its own inquiries into his conduct.