EVAN MCCLELLAND FROM WORTHING AND SHOREHAM FACES COURT OVER HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENCES AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Worthing and Shoreham, Evan McClelland, a 21-year-old resident of Lyndhurst Road in Worthing, has been found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offences involving both animals and children. The case came to light after police investigations revealed a disturbing collection of illegal images and acts committed by McClelland, leading to a court appearance that highlighted the severity of his crimes.

On May 19, at Worthing Magistrates’ Court, McClelland pleaded guilty to seven charges, which included sexual offences against two of his family dogs, DeeDee and Digit, as well as the possession of hundreds of indecent images depicting children and animals. The court was informed that the offences spanned several years, with some acts dating back to January 1, 2016, and the possession of illegal images occurring on or before October 7, 2020.

Specifically, the police found that McClelland was in possession of a staggering 521 indecent images of children, including 180 of the most serious Category A images, which depict the rape or torture of young children. The collection also included 198 prohibited images of children and 349 extreme sexual images involving acts on or with live animals. These images were stored at an address in Dolphin Road, Shoreham, where police executed warrants after identifying McClelland as the owner of the illicit material.

Further investigations uncovered that McClelland had committed sexual offences against his family dogs, DeeDee and Digit, involving sexual acts and/or sexual intercourse. These offences were alleged to have taken place at his family home in Shoreham on January 1, 2016. The police, during their search, also discovered videos showing McClelland engaging in sexual acts with his dogs, which added to the gravity of his crimes.

During the court proceedings, Hannah Hurley, prosecuting, explained that police had spoken to everyone present at the Shoreham address during their investigation. McClelland admitted that the images belonged to him and was subsequently arrested. The authorities examined his computers and electronic devices, which confirmed the possession of the illegal images and the videos of his abuse against the dogs.

In sentencing at Hove Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Gould QC acknowledged the seriousness of the offences. He stated that, under normal circumstances, individuals convicted of such crimes would face immediate imprisonment. However, considering the circumstances and the nature of the offences, McClelland was given a three-year community order instead of a custodial sentence. As part of this order, he is required to register as a sex offender and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

Additionally, McClelland must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, maintain regular contact with probation services, and participate in a programme called New Me Strengths. The judge emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and monitoring in cases involving such grave offences, especially given the involvement of minors and animals in his crimes.

In a prior hearing in May 2021, McClelland had already admitted to the charges at Worthing Magistrates’ Court, where the court was told about the extent of his illegal collection. The prosecution highlighted that the number and severity of the images, including those depicting the rape and torture of children, warranted a sentence beyond what magistrates could impose. The case was therefore transferred to Lewes Crown Court for sentencing, scheduled for June 16, 2021, where McClelland was released on unconditional bail pending the hearing.

This case has garnered significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the offences and the involvement of vulnerable victims, both human and animal. The authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and reporting in preventing such crimes and protecting the community from individuals like Evan McClelland.