MILDENHALL MAN MARC DEWING FROM SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA ESCAPES PRISON AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Marc Dewing, a 26-year-old resident of Woodlands Close in Mildenhall, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court to face serious charges related to the possession and distribution of child abuse images. The proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of criminal activity spanning over four years, from January 2010 to April 2014.

During the hearing, it was disclosed that Dewing had been found in possession of hundreds of indecent images of children. Police investigations uncovered a mailbox containing numerous illicit images, and further examination of Dewing’s computer revealed that he had actively used it to send a total of 230 indecent images of minors. The evidence was substantial and deeply troubling, highlighting the extent of his involvement in the distribution of such material.

In addition to the digital evidence, authorities discovered that Dewing had stored 355 images on his laptop and an additional 648 images in an online mailbox. Investigators also found 239 movies stored across a second online account, further emphasizing the scale of his offending. These findings painted a clear picture of a man deeply engaged in the creation and dissemination of child abuse content.

When Dewing was assessed for autism, he scored highly and was subsequently diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. This diagnosis was presented in mitigation, with Lindsay Cox stating that Dewing was not making excuses but acknowledging that his condition had influenced his behavior. Cox emphasized that Dewing regarded his actions as a thing of the past and expressed remorse for his conduct.

Despite the diagnosis, Judge Goodin underscored the gravity of the offenses, emphasizing that crimes involving child pornography must be treated with utmost seriousness. The judge remarked on the destructive nature of such material, noting that the demand for these images fuels the supply chain, leading to the creation of horrific images and videos that cause unimaginable suffering to the victims involved.

Judge Goodin also highlighted that the addictive nature of accessing child pornography can be particularly pronounced in individuals with Asperger’s syndrome, which can predispose them to compulsive behaviors. Nevertheless, he acknowledged Dewing’s apparent remorse, stating, “Everything I have read indicates that you have come to be genuinely appalled by what you have done.”

As part of his sentence, Dewing will be subject to supervision for three years. He is also required to participate in an Internet Sex Offender Treatment Programme and will be ordered to pay £250 in prosecution costs. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his crimes, but also considers the potential for rehabilitation given his cooperation and diagnosis.

Earlier in October 2014, Dewing had already admitted to four offenses related to child abuse images during a court appearance. On October 9, he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child, with the offenses committed over a period from January 2010 to April 2014. The evidence presented at that time included 355 images found on his laptop and 648 images stored in an online mailbox, along with 239 movies stored on another account.

Prosecutor Peter Gair stated that Dewing had admitted to sending some images via email to contacts, further illustrating the extent of his criminal activity. Dewing’s defense lawyer, Matthew Gowen, noted that his client had no prior convictions and requested a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service. Gowen also mentioned that Dewing had sought help earlier in the year from the Lucy Faithful Foundation, a charity dedicated to child protection, which would be considered during sentencing.

Judge Goodin warned Dewing that all sentencing options, including immediate custody, remained open, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed these offenses. Dewing was released on bail until his next court appearance, where a final sentencing decision will be made, taking into account the full scope of his actions and efforts at rehabilitation.