IAN GEE FROM DENBIGH AND NORTHOP ESCAPES JAIL OVER CHILD PORN IMAGES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Denbigh and Northop, Ian Patrick Gee, a mathematics teacher with a previously unblemished record, was found to have downloaded and possessed a significant number of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in October 2009, leading to a series of legal proceedings that culminated in a court ruling emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.

Gee, who was employed at Denbigh High School before his suspension and subsequent dismissal, was discovered to have stored a total of 171 indecent images on his personal computer at his home in Aber Crescent, Northop. These images depicted young girls aged between six and twelve years old, either naked or dressed in swimwear, in various compromising poses. Additionally, investigators found approximately 500 similar images that had been deleted from his device, indicating a pattern of activity and a possible attempt to conceal his actions.

During the court hearing, prosecutor Justin Espie detailed the extent of Gee’s online activity. He explained that Gee had admitted to possessing the images and downloading them from various internet news groups. When questioned by police, Gee acknowledged that he was the sole user of the computers seized from his residence and that he believed the children in the images were around twelve years old. He also admitted that he knew possessing such images was illegal, yet he continued to download and view them.

At the previous hearing, Gee, aged 37 and a married father of two, was told that he would not face imprisonment because the images were classified as the least serious “level one” category. Nevertheless, the court imposed a series of penalties aimed at safeguarding the public, especially children. Gee was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for the next five years, a measure that underscores the potential risk he poses. Furthermore, he was placed under a three-year community order, which includes supervision, and was required to pay £85 in court costs.

Support for Gee in court was evident as his wife, visibly distressed, was present during the proceedings. The court also heard that police executed a search warrant under The Protection of Children Act at Gee’s Northop residence on September 10, seizing multiple computers. The investigation revealed that Gee had downloaded the images over a period spanning from September of the previous year to September 8 of the current year.

In his police interview, Gee expressed remorse, stating that he believed the children in the images were approximately twelve years old. He acknowledged that possessing such images was against the law and accepted responsibility for his actions. The court was informed that the number of images and the nature of his activity demonstrated a sustained interest in young children, raising concerns about potential future harm.

To mitigate the risk of further offenses, the court imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which is designed to prevent Gee from engaging in activities that could lead to harm. The judge emphasized that Gee’s role as a teacher, with authority over children, made the case particularly serious. The presence of numerous images indicated a troubling pattern of behavior that warranted protective measures.

Defending counsel Hannah Meredith-Jones highlighted Gee’s previously good character, noting his 15 years of full-time employment and his remorsefulness. She pointed out that Gee fully understood the impact of his actions on the victims and the community. She also reassured that the charges related solely to activities outside of school hours and premises, with no evidence suggesting any misconduct occurred during his professional duties.

Ultimately, while Gee was spared imprisonment, the court’s decision to impose a sex offender registration requirement, community supervision, and a SOPO reflects the gravity of his offenses and the importance of safeguarding children from potential harm in the future.