CHIPPENHAM MAN IAN DIXON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN US AND UK

In a case that has shocked the community of Chippenham, Ian Dixon, a 47-year-old resident of Stonelea Close, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. The conviction stems from a series of investigations that uncovered Dixon's disturbing online activities involving the exploitation of minors.

According to court records, Dixon was identified as a self-confessed collector of child pornography. Authorities revealed that he had amassed a significant collection of illicit material, including thousands of indecent images and video clips depicting children as young as six years old engaged in sexual acts. The images ranged in severity, with more than 150 classified at levels four and five, indicating the most serious content.

The investigation was initiated after Dixon's use of a credit card to subscribe to a US-based child pornography website called Landslide. This subscription was traced back to the American authorities, who subsequently coordinated with UK police to carry out a raid. In January 2003, officers from Wiltshire Police executed a search warrant at Dixon’s home, which he shares with his wife and daughter. During the raid, they seized a computer, along with 41 CDs and three video cassettes.

Examination of the seized materials revealed that both the computer and storage media contained numerous images of children involved in sexual activities. Additionally, police discovered a homemade video featuring Dixon himself, in which he was dressed down and exposing himself. The officers also found a catalogue of photographs of women and girls, which Dixon had been viewing. Financial records further linked him to the illicit activities, as bank statements showed payments made to the US child porn site.

When questioned by authorities, Dixon admitted to browsing websites that featured images of children aged between six and sixteen years old. His confession confirmed the extent of his online activity, which included a total of 2,090 indecent images of children. The court was informed that Dixon possessed these images, which were stored on his computer and other media devices.

During the trial at Swindon Crown Court, Dixon pleaded guilty to 13 counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession. Prosecutor Tim Hills emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting the risk Dixon posed to women and girls due to his apparent lack of empathy for his victims.

In his defense, Jonathan Simpson acknowledged that Dixon accepted the severity of his actions and the likelihood of a prison sentence. Judge Tom Longbotham sentenced Dixon to 18 months in prison but also imposed a three-year extended license period. This extension is intended to facilitate Dixon’s participation in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program.

Furthermore, the judge prohibited Dixon from working with children and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, underscoring the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.