MICHAEL COLLINS FROM COLCHESTER AND WEST BERGHOLT JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Colchester and West Bergholt, Michael Collins, a man with a previously unblemished reputation, was sentenced to a year in prison for serious child pornography offences. The court proceedings, held at Chelmsford Crown Court, revealed the disturbing extent of Collins' actions, which involved the creation and possession of nearly 50,000 indecent images of children.

Michael Collins, aged 61 and residing on Colchester Road, appeared before the court to face multiple charges related to his possession and production of child exploitation material. The court heard that Collins had committed these offences at his residence on Donard Drive in West Bergholt, with the illegal activities taking place before June 18, 2010. During the hearing, it was disclosed that Collins had worked as a bursar at two local schools and also held a senior position within the United Reform Church, roles that made his actions particularly shocking given his involvement in educational and religious communities.

Prosecutors detailed the extent of Collins' criminal activities, which included the creation of approximately 10,000 indecent photographs of children on his laptop, along with around 400 images stored on an external hard drive. The court also learned that he possessed an estimated 38,000 indecent images, with some classified as Category 5, the most severe level of such material. These images depicted children in highly exploitative and abusive situations, underscoring the gravity of his offences.

During the proceedings, it was also revealed that Collins' wife had initiated divorce proceedings just two days after his arrest, and his children have since severed all contact with him, reflecting the profound personal and social consequences of his actions. Prior to his arrest, Collins was employed as a financial officer at MIND, a mental health charity based in Colchester, and was considered to be of good character before these allegations surfaced.

Initially, Collins claimed that he had accidentally downloaded the images onto his computer. However, he later confessed to his wife that he had been secretly viewing these images during the night for a period of three years. This admission added to the severity of his case, illustrating a pattern of secretive and compulsive behavior.

Judge Rodger Hayward Smith QC delivered the sentence, emphasizing the horrific nature of the images and the exploitation involved. He stated, “There were a very large number of images in total. The pictures are dreadful. I have seen an example – I need not describe it, and the word dreadful does not come anywhere near it. Every time an indecent image is being taken, that child is being sexually exploited and abused, and your interest proves a market for the exploitation, abuse, and degradation of children. That is why it’s abhorrent and illegal.”

The judge also condemned Collins’ initial dishonesty, describing it as ‘chilling,’ and noted that despite some positive references, the severity of the case warranted a custodial sentence. He concluded, “You have done much in your life that is in your credit. I have read references on your behaviour. I have been asked to give you a community order, but I regret this case is too serious for that. In my view, the only proper sentence is one of immediate imprisonment.”

As a result, Collins was sentenced to one year in prison, placed on the sex offender’s register for ten years, and issued with a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from working with children in the future. The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Colchester and West Bergholt, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding against such heinous crimes.