MICHAEL PEARCE OF CHURCHDOWN SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENCES IN GLOUCESTER

In December 2011, Michael Pearce, a 62-year-old grandfather from Parton Road, Churchdown, was sentenced to prison for offenses related to child pornography distribution. Pearce was apprehended after police in Devon and Cornwall traced his mobile phone number during an investigation into a known paedophile. Gloucester Crown Court was informed that the police investigation uncovered Pearce’s involvement.

As a consequence of his crimes, Pearce has been disowned by his partner and his entire family, the court was told.

Pearce pleaded guilty to one count of making indecent images, three counts of possessing such images, and seven counts of distributing them. Judge William Hart sentenced him to 16 months in prison, noting that his illegal activities spanned from 2009 until earlier in 2011.

The judge commented, “You have denied any sexual interest in children even though all the evidence points to the contrary. That denial is a worrying feature.” He also emphasized that Pearce’s sentence would be longer than typical for possession offences alone because he had been actively distributing child pornography.

Additionally, Pearce was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order.

Prosecutor Mary Harley revealed that police found a total of 461 images on Pearce’s computer and phone during a raid at his home on April 28. The images depicted girls between the ages of four and adolescence. Prosecutors also noted that Pearce had impersonated a 12-year-old girl named Ocean in chatrooms with other paedophiles.

Defense lawyer Paul Trotman stated, “There has been devastation in his life as a result of his offending.”