MICHAEL DOEL FROM ASCOT SENTENCED FOR NEARLY 20,000 CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ascot, Michael Doel, a 58-year-old resident of Bracken Bank, was sentenced to a prison term of two years and four months after being found guilty of possessing and distributing a vast collection of child pornography. The sentencing took place at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, April 30, following a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Doel's arrest in October 2012 was carried out by officers from Thames Valley Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT). During police interviews, Doel admitted to owning the indecent images and sharing them with other users through peer-to-peer file sharing platforms. He explained that his interest in viewing such material stemmed from feelings of loneliness, which he attributed to his partner's struggles with alcoholism.

A forensic examination of Doel's computer by the High Tech Crime Unit (HCTU) revealed the presence of more than 3,000 indecent images stored on his device. Additionally, authorities discovered a USB stick containing over 15,000 indecent images, which was found abandoned in the bushes at Ascot Racecourse by a pedestrian. Subsequent investigation confirmed that the USB belonged to Doel.

The images uncovered in this case were particularly disturbing, with approximately 85% depicting children under the age of 13. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of these images featured children under the age of five. Some of the material was classified at level five, indicating the most severe and explicit content. The sheer volume and nature of the images highlight the severity of Doel's offending.

Detective Constable Sandra Tearney, who led the investigation for POLIT, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Due to the diligent work jointly between the POLIT and the HTCU, we were able to bring this man to court to face justice for these sickening crimes, which he has committed over a number of years.” She emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling such heinous crimes.

As part of his sentence, Doel will serve up to two years and four months in prison. He has also been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years and has been issued with a Sexual Offenders Prevention Order, underscoring the serious nature of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.