NIGEL MILLER FROM CREDITON CAUGHT WITH CHILD AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING INTERNET CASE

In November 2014, a disturbing case unfolded involving Nigel Miller, a 27-year-old resident of Crediton, who was brought before Exeter Crown Court on serious charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children and extreme material involving animals.

Due to a painful illness affecting his ankles, Miller had been largely confined to his home, which led him to spend extensive hours on his computer as a means of coping with his social isolation. His online activity took a dark turn when he accessed illegal and highly disturbing content on peer-to-peer file sharing networks, which are part of the clandestine and illegal segment of the internet known as the dark web.

Investigators uncovered that Miller possessed a staggering collection of over 1,000 images depicting children as young as one or two years old up to 12 years old. These images included not only photographs of children being abused but also some that showed them engaged in sexual acts with animals. The material was classified as extremely offensive and involved some of the most severe forms of abuse documented in such cases.

During the court proceedings, Miller admitted to ten counts of making or possessing indecent images of children, along with one count of possessing a grossly offensive and extreme image of bestiality. The prosecution presented evidence that linked him to these illicit materials, which he had stored on his computer.

Judge Mr. Frank Abbott sentenced Miller to 12 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in a specialized internet sex offenders’ treatment program. The judge emphasized that while Miller deserved immediate imprisonment, the treatment program was not available within the prison system, which posed a significant concern.

In his remarks, Judge Abbott highlighted the severity of the images found in Miller’s possession, noting that they originated from file-sharing sites, which he described as more sinister than random internet searches. The judge expressed concern about Miller’s future behavior, describing him as a “pathetic figure” affected by his medical condition, which may have contributed to his actions. He also pointed out that Miller’s social isolation and physical weakness made him vulnerable to bullying if incarcerated.

Furthermore, the judge warned that placing Miller in a prison’s sex offenders’ wing could expose him to more dangerous and recalcitrant individuals, potentially leading to a worse influence on him. He stressed the importance of access to specialized treatment programs, which are currently unavailable in a custodial setting, creating a systemic gap that hampers effective rehabilitation.

Prosecutor Miss Janice Eagles detailed that authorities traced Miller’s activities through his use of peer-to-peer sites, discovering a total of 1,149 still images, 230 videos, and 32 extreme images on his computer. These materials depicted children aged between one and 12 being abused by adults, with some images involving animals. The extreme content showed adults engaging in sexual acts with animals, further underscoring the disturbing nature of the case.

Defending Miller, Miss Sarah Vince explained that his offending occurred during a period when he was leading a very isolated life in Crediton and communicating with friends solely through the internet. She highlighted that Miller suffers from a painful medical condition affecting his ankles, which is now improving with treatment, and suggested that his actions might have been influenced by his physical and social circumstances.