MICHAEL BREWER FROM HEANOR: DERBYSHIRE'S CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENDER SENTENCED TO PRISON

In June 2022, a disturbing case involving Michael Brewer, a resident of Heanor in Derbyshire, came to light as he was found to possess a large collection of illegal child abuse images. The authorities uncovered more than 100 horrifying images and videos on his laptop during a police investigation, revealing the extent of his disturbing activities.

Brewer, aged 72, was found to have taken measures to conceal his illicit browsing habits. His computer was equipped with cleaning software designed to erase his browsing history, a clear indication of his awareness of the illegality of his actions. The police investigation revealed that Brewer had been engaged in such activities for approximately twenty years, highlighting a long-standing pattern of offending.

During the sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court, Recorder Adrian Reynolds addressed Brewer directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. He stated, "There are young kids being forced into sexual activity that they either don’t understand or don’t consent to for the gratification of a dirty old man like you. What am I supposed to do with someone like you?" The judge expressed his dismay at Brewer’s deceitful nature, noting that despite attending meetings and giving the appearance of remorse, he had not genuinely changed his behavior. The court sentenced Brewer to 32 months in prison, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses.

Prosecutor Leanne Summers provided further details, explaining that Brewer had been under supervision following a previous conviction for possessing indecent images of children. On June 23, 2020, two police officers arrived unannounced at his residence in Heanor. While one officer engaged Brewer in conversation, the other examined his computer. The officer observed on the home screen references to 'boy' and 'teen,' which, upon investigation, led to the discovery of numerous indecent images. These included 36 images classified as Category A, the most severe, along with 94 Category B and 67 Category C images. Additionally, Google searches indicated that Brewer had been seeking child sex pornography.

Further inspection revealed that his computer contained software capable of deleting browsing history, which he was not permitted to possess under a previous sexual harm prevention order. During his interview with police, Brewer denied possessing any illegal material, claiming that the images were legal and that the individuals depicted were over 18. However, his past convictions and the evidence collected contradicted his claims.

It was also revealed that Brewer had a prior conviction in 2013 for possessing indecent images of children. When questioned about those images, he admitted, “I just can’t stop it – like an alcoholic,” illustrating his acknowledgment of his compulsive behavior. As a result of his latest offenses, Brewer pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. In addition to his prison sentence, the court imposed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order, and Brewer was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Historically, Brewer’s criminal record includes a 2014 conviction, where he was jailed for possessing nearly 300 indecent images of children, ranging from less severe to the most serious categories. He admitted to downloading these images, which ranged from Category 1 to Category 5, with Category 5 being the most severe. Police had seized three computers and a hard drive from his residence in May of that year. Despite being released on bail, Brewer continued his offending by purchasing a new computer and downloading additional images, including 29 more images from categories one to four.

His criminal history also includes a 1996 conviction for attempting to distribute indecent images of children, which resulted in a three-month prison sentence, later reduced to one month on appeal. In 2000, he was sentenced to a three-year sex offenders’ program for possessing indecent images. Judge John Burgess, addressing Brewer during his latest sentencing, warned him sternly, stating, “If you do anything like this again, it won’t be 20 months it will be several years, do you understand?”

Judge Burgess further commented on Brewer’s predilection for viewing child abuse images, emphasizing that such material exists because of individuals like him. The court mandated that Brewer must sign the sex offenders’ register and adhere to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from using software capable of deleting his internet history, aiming to prevent future offenses and protect potential victims.