PETER MCARTHUR OF KINGSKERSWELL SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN EXETER

In a case that has shocked the local community of Kingskerswell and the surrounding areas, Peter McArthur, a former NVQ assessor at South Devon College, has been found guilty of possessing and viewing illegal images involving children. The incident came to light in June 2010 when authorities uncovered evidence of his involvement with child abuse material through a police raid on his residence.

McArthur, aged 53 and residing on Lyn Close in Kingskerswell, admitted to the possession of explicit images depicting child abuse as well as extreme adult pornography. The investigation revealed that he had been accessing these illicit materials via the internet, which ultimately led to his arrest and subsequent charges.

According to the prosecution, police officers executed a search warrant at McArthur’s home after receiving credible information indicating that he had been visiting child abuse websites. During questioning, McArthur claimed that his internet connection was unsecured and accessible to others, which may have facilitated unauthorized access. Authorities seized his computer equipment, which contained over 80 images, including two extreme pornographic images and six indecent images of children.

In court, McArthur pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging his possession of the illegal images. His solicitor, Ben Darby, presented mitigating circumstances, explaining that since the conviction, McArthur had been unable to resume his previous role in education or continue as a personal license holder. He also noted that the number of images involving children was relatively small compared to the larger collection of adult pornography on his devices.

Judge Phillip Wassall sentenced McArthur to a six-month prison term, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. Additionally, McArthur was ordered to participate in a specialized internet sex offender treatment program to address his behavior.

Regarding his employment at South Devon College, officials were unable to confirm whether McArthur was employed there at the time of the offenses. The college declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding his departure, stating that they believed an incident involving a former employee had occurred off-site. A college spokesperson emphasized their rigorous screening procedures, including enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks, and highlighted the institution’s reputation for employing highly qualified and dedicated staff, as recognized by Ofsted.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding communities from such heinous crimes.