MAX GARDNER FROM BISHOPSTEIGNTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES ON DARK WEB NEAR NEWTON ABBOT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community near Newton Abbot, Max Gardner, a 66-year-old resident of Bishopsteignton, was found to be in possession of a large collection of child abuse images after investigators traced his online activity. The case highlights the dangers lurking on the dark web and the serious consequences faced by those who indulge in such heinous crimes.

According to police reports, Gardner, a retired car salesman and former fleet sales manager, had been actively searching for illegal content using a dark web browser. His search terms included disturbing phrases such as 'Lolita' and 'Pre-teen,' which are often associated with illicit material involving minors. Despite attempts to conceal his activities, Gardner's online trail was sufficiently detailed to lead authorities directly to his residence in Bishopsteignton, a small community near Newton Abbot.

During the police search in June, officers seized multiple computers and electronic devices from Gardner’s home. An examination of these devices revealed a horrifying collection of illegal images and videos. The authorities uncovered a total of 62 images and 18 movies classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of abuse material. Additionally, there were 871 images and videos in lower categories B and C. Among the most disturbing findings were images of infants as young as two or three months old, with some depicting acts amounting to child rape. The videos included scenes of children aged between six and 18 months being subjected to sexual acts.

Gardner did not deny his involvement. He admitted to possessing the images and acknowledged using the dark web to access such content. He explained that he had been regularly destroying and replacing his computers in an attempt to evade detection. During his interview, he expressed remorse and stated that he had no valid excuse for his actions. He also revealed that he had sought help through a charity specializing in rehabilitation for offenders of this nature.

His arrest and subsequent court proceedings led to significant personal and professional consequences. Gardner was forced to resign from his position as a fleet sales manager, a role he held prior to his arrest. Recognizing the seriousness of his offenses, the court took measures to ensure ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation. Recorder Mr. Philip Mott, QC, at Exeter Crown Court, sentenced Gardner to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, particularly noting the extreme youth of some of the children depicted in the images. He pointed out that one image showed a baby only two or three months old, while others involved infants being penetrated, which he described as an aggravating feature of the case.

Furthermore, Gardner was ordered to undergo one-to-one sex offender treatment with the probation service. A sexual harm prevention order was also issued, granting authorities the authority to monitor his internet activity for the next ten years. The judge acknowledged Gardner’s lack of prior convictions, his genuine remorse, and his efforts to seek help, which contributed to the decision to suspend his sentence. Nonetheless, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.