DAVID TOWERS FROM CLEETHORPES CAUGHT WITH OVER 10,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND MOVIES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cleethorpes, police uncovered a vast collection of illegal material on the computer equipment of a man with a history of public service. David Towers, aged 68, a resident of Chatsworth Place in Cleethorpes, faced serious charges after authorities found more than 10,000 images and videos depicting child abuse during a search of his property.

According to the prosecution, led by Carl Fitch, the police executed a search warrant at a caravan on August 15 of the previous year. During this operation, law enforcement officials discovered an alarming cache of digital content, including 724 images and 310 videos classified in the most severe category of child exploitation material. Additionally, over 1,000 images fell into the next most serious classification, highlighting the extent of the illegal collection Towers had amassed.

Further investigations revealed that Towers had conducted internet searches related to child abuse and child prostitution, raising concerns about his intentions and the nature of his online activity. The court heard that these searches and the possession of such material spanned approximately seven years, indicating a prolonged period of engagement with these illicit images.

During the hearing at Grimsby Crown Court, Craig Lowe, representing the defendant, emphasized that Towers' actions appeared to be out of character. Lowe stated that Towers had expressed remorse for his conduct and that he had no prior criminal record. The defense also highlighted that Towers was glad the offences had been uncovered, as it provided him with an opportunity to seek help for his issues.

It was revealed that Towers had been downloading these images for nearly seven years. His personal circumstances, including loneliness and social isolation following the death of his wife, were cited as possible contributing factors to his behavior. Notably, Towers had a background of public service, having served as a special constable in his earlier years and spending seven years in the army, which included two tours of Northern Ireland during the 1970s.

In sentencing, the court handed Towers an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences. Additionally, he was placed under a two-year supervision order, which includes participation in a sex offender treatment programme. Towers was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was issued a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his access to potential victims and monitoring his conduct moving forward.