DAVID POOLE BIRKDALE PENSIONER CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND EXTREME MATERIALS

In April 2018, a serious case involving a pensioner from Birkdale came to light when David Poole, aged 69, was found to be in possession of a significant collection of indecent images of children along with extreme pornography. The incident unfolded when authorities executed a search warrant at Poole’s residence on Blundell Avenue in Birkdale, leading to the discovery of numerous illicit materials.

During the court proceedings at Sefton Magistrates, prosecutor Jane Stacey outlined the gravity of the charges against Poole. It was revealed that he was responsible for creating and possessing a disturbing array of images, including 66 Category A images, which are considered the most severe, depicting children in explicit acts. Additionally, he possessed 73 Category B images and 81 Category C images of children, along with a total of 220 indecent photographs of minors. The authorities also found five images classified as extreme pornography, which involves highly graphic and violent content, and four pictures of children categorized as prohibited under the law.

Poole did not contest the charges and pleaded guilty to all six counts. The offences were committed over a span of nearly five years, from March 26, 2012, to February 12, 2017. Given the nature and volume of the illicit material, the court was advised that the case should be transferred to Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing, considering the severity of the crimes.

Despite the serious allegations, Sefton Magistrates decided to release David Poole on bail pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for May 2. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation materials, and the judicial process that seeks to hold offenders accountable for such heinous crimes.