DAVID THORNEYCROFT JAILED IN COLCHESTER FOR GROOMING AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a significant case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Colchester, David Thorneycroft, a 50-year-old security training development manager residing on Newcastle Avenue, was sentenced to a total of 12 months in prison on 31 January at Southwark Crown Court. The charges stemmed from a series of disturbing activities involving the attempted grooming of a minor and the possession of indecent images of children.

Thorneycroft, born on September 7, 1961, pleaded guilty to two serious offenses during an earlier hearing on 3 January. The first charge involved his attempt to meet a girl under the age of 16 after engaging in grooming behaviors. The second charge related to the possession of indecent images of children, which was considered equally grave. Both sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve the prison time for both offenses simultaneously.

In addition to his imprisonment, Thorneycroft was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect for five years, restricting his activities and interactions to prevent further offenses. Furthermore, he has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years, a measure designed to monitor and manage his conduct post-release.

The arrest of Thorneycroft took place on 1 November 2011 on Buckingham Palace Road SW1. The Metropolitan Police’s Paedophile Unit carried out a pre-planned, intelligence-led operation that resulted in his detention. During the investigation, authorities uncovered evidence of his online activities, which included exchanges of messages and texts with an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. These communications involved discussions about meeting up, culminating in an arrangement to meet the girl in Victoria on the afternoon of 1 November.

Following his arrest, law enforcement officers seized Thorneycroft’s computer, which contained a number of indecent images of children, further substantiating the charges against him. The following day, on 2 November, he was formally charged with the offenses. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of police units to combat online grooming and child exploitation, especially within communities like Colchester where such crimes have profound impacts.