MICHAEL DUNSTAN FROM NEW MARSKE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CHARGES IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has shocked the local community of New Marske, pensioner Michael Dunstan appeared before Teesside Crown Court to face serious allegations related to the possession of child abuse images. The proceedings revealed that Dunstan, aged 67, had been caught with nearly 60 disturbing images depicting children being sexually abused, with 27 classified in the most severe category under law.

Authorities executed a search at Dunstan’s residence in New Marske in October of the previous year. During the raid, police seized a Toshiba computer tower, which was later confirmed to contain the illicit images. Dunstan cooperated with investigators, acknowledging that the computer would reveal child sexual abuse images and admitting to using a cleaning application on the device shortly before the police arrived.

Prior to this hearing, Dunstan had already confessed to three charges of creating indecent photographs of children, with the offenses spanning from February 2016 to October 2017. His guilty plea was entered during a previous court session, setting the stage for sentencing.

At the latest hearing, Judge Sean Morris addressed Dunstan directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge stated, “You are another man I am dealing with who has completely ruined his life by shamefully looking at these sorts of images. You’re 67 and you and your wife are both not in good health. But this is the only time you get a suspended sentence.”

As part of his sentence, Dunstan was given a 10-month prison term, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to undertake 30 days of rehabilitation supervised by probation services. The court also imposed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future conduct.

In April 2018, Dunstan had already admitted to making 25 of the most serious type of indecent images of children, along with 32 other images of lesser severity. The charges related to material created between February 2016 and October 2017. At that time, Dunstan, who resides on Victoria Close in New Marske, had no prior convictions. Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, granted bail until sentencing scheduled for May 29, and acknowledged Dunstan’s guilty plea, stating, “You’ve had the good sense to plead guilty to this indictment. You’ll be given the appropriate credit. Any sentence will be available to the judge.”

Following his conviction, Dunstan will be required to register as a sex offender, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing legal consequences he faces.