DAVID PRITLOVE FROM EGHAM ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD SEX IMAGE SCANDAL IN GUILDFORD

In a case that has shocked the community of Egham and the surrounding areas, David Pritlove, aged 61, appeared before Guildford Crown Court last Friday, November 8, facing serious allegations related to the possession and creation of indecent images involving children and animals. Despite the gravity of the charges, Pritlove was ultimately spared immediate imprisonment, receiving a suspended sentence that reflects the complex nature of his case.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Dean outlined to the court that Pritlove’s computer contained an alarming collection of over 1,000 files and videos. These included explicit images of children engaging in sexual acts, as well as material depicting sadism and bestiality. The court was informed that Pritlove’s activities involved not only the creation of such images but also the possession of extreme pornographic content involving animals and a cartoon depicting a child in sexual scenarios.

The court heard that Pritlove, who resides on Middle Hill in Egham, had initially engaged in online chat rooms where he was contacted by individuals who sent him emails containing child sexual abuse images. Elizabeth Dean emphasized the disturbing nature of the material found on his devices, which included both still images and videos.

During the proceedings, Pritlove’s defense lawyer, Ed Butler, explained that since his client’s arrest, Pritlove’s access to his grandchildren had been severely restricted, highlighting the impact of the case on his family life. Mr. Butler also revealed that Pritlove had been undergoing counseling sessions with his wife to address what he described as an addiction. He suggested that Pritlove’s life had taken a downward spiral following the collapse of his business, which may have contributed to his actions.

Judge Neil Stewart, presiding over the case, expressed his concerns about the nature of the images and videos found on Pritlove’s computer. He pointed out that most of the images involved female children aged between 10 and 13 years old, and that, apart from one count, these images depicted real victims of sexual abuse. The judge emphasized that the large quantity of extreme videos involving children was particularly troubling.

In his remarks, Judge Stewart stated, “I have seen the document which lists the various types of images. They are female children aged in the 10 to 13 year range. They are, apart from the last count, real people who are the victims of sexual abuse and they have been recorded in their sexual abuse.” The judge also addressed Pritlove directly, saying, “Through the computer you didn’t really think of them in that way. I don’t accept that. Nobody could doubt that they were real people in real activities. You mainly thought you wouldn’t get caught.”

While Pritlove was not found to have physically taken the images, the court acknowledged that his demand for child pornography contributed to ongoing abuse. Pritlove admitted to creating 587 still images and 273 videos in categories one, two, and three, which are considered less severe. He also confessed to possessing 92 videos and 57 images in category four, and three videos and two stills in the most severe category five, which involved sadism or bestiality.

In sentencing, Pritlove received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for each of the 12 counts, with all sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, he was ordered to forfeit his two computers, pay costs amounting to £1,200, and sign the sex offenders register, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Egham, raising ongoing concerns about online safety and the protection of vulnerable children.