MARTIN COLLINS FROM EVESHAM AND REDDITCH CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF CHILD SEX IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Redditch and Evesham, Martin Collins, a 36-year-old estate agent, has admitted to downloading and viewing a significant number of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in October when authorities arrested Collins at his office in Redditch, leading to a search of two laptops found at his residence in Briar Close, Evesham.

During the investigation, prosecutors revealed that Collins had amassed a total of 817 images depicting children in various states of sexual exploitation. The images were classified into different levels of severity, with 673 categorized as Level 1, 46 as Level 2, 25 as Level 3, and a disturbing 73 images classified as Level 4, indicating a higher degree of depravity. These findings were presented in court as evidence of the extent of Collins's offending.

In court proceedings at Worcester Crown Court, Collins pleaded guilty to possessing these indecent images. The court was informed that Collins had initially claimed he was searching for adult pornography when he inadvertently encountered the child sex images. However, he later confessed that his curiosity and obsession had driven him to repeatedly view these images, which featured children ranging from as young as three years old to teenagers. Collins described the experience as akin to watching a car crash—an uncontrollable compulsion that he found both wrong and yet impossible to stop.

Prosecutor Paul Whitfield outlined the case, emphasizing the serious nature of Collins's actions. The court was told that Collins's behavior was motivated by a desire for excitement, which he admitted had become an obsession. His admission revealed a troubling pattern of curiosity turning into compulsive viewing, raising concerns about the potential risk to children and the possibility of future offending.

Defense lawyer Martin Steen expressed remorse on behalf of Collins, highlighting the profound impact the case had already had on his client. He explained that Collins had lost his family, his home, and his employment as a result of his actions. Steen described Collins as a man of previously good character who had been honest with police from the outset. He also noted that Collins was an emotional individual who deeply regretted his behavior and was genuinely remorseful.

Judge Alistair McCreath, who presided over the case, took the unusual step of viewing some of the images in court. Addressing Collins directly, the judge stated, “These didn’t just pop up on your computer. You went looking for these, and some have a high level of depravity.” The judge expressed concern about the potential danger posed by individuals who view such images, warning that it could lead to actual offences against children.

While considering sentencing options, Judge McCreath acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. He emphasized that sending Collins to prison would mean he would be incarcerated alongside dangerous paedophiles, which could pose additional risks. Ultimately, the judge decided that a community order would serve the best interests of protecting children, rather than imposing immediate custody. Collins was sentenced to a three-year community order, required to attend a sexual offending group program, and was made subject to a sexual offences prevention order. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender for five years, underscoring the seriousness of his offending and the ongoing risk to the community.