KINGSWOOD EX-GP MICHAEL DOVEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN BRISTOL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Kingswood and the wider South Gloucestershire area, Michael Dovey, a retired general practitioner, was sentenced to six months in prison on Tuesday after admitting to the possession and downloading of child pornography from the internet.

The court proceedings revealed that Dovey, aged 63 and residing in Kingswood, had accumulated a disturbing collection of illegal material. Specifically, he admitted to 13 specimen counts of creating indecent photographs of children during a prior hearing. The evidence presented in Bristol Crown Court detailed that Dovey had downloaded a staggering total of 1,301 film clips and photographs depicting children, some as young as four years old.

Further investigation uncovered that over 400 of these images involved acts of child torture and bondage, highlighting the severity and depravity of the material he possessed. The police investigation was part of a broader, international effort known as Operation Ricochet, led by Avon and Somerset Police, aimed at combating the proliferation of internet-based child pornography.

Authorities traced Dovey as a subscriber and payer for the websites hosting these illicit images. His home was subsequently searched in December 2002, leading to the discovery of the illegal content. During his arrest, Dovey denied any knowledge of the websites and attempted to shift blame onto builders working on his property. He told police that he found the entire situation “abhorrent,” attempting to distance himself from the material.

It was noted that Dovey had retired from his medical practice in Keynsham near Bath in 1998. Throughout the court proceedings, he showed no visible reaction as the sentence was handed down by Judge Michael Harington. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “As a result of downloading such images for your own gratification and therefore creating a demand for such material, young and very young children are inevitably abused and corrupted.”

In addition to his six-month imprisonment, Dovey was placed on an extended license for two years, requiring him to adhere to strict conditions. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender and to pay £1,000 towards the costs of his defense. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and the serious consequences faced by those involved in such heinous crimes.