PETER MINCHIN SENTENCED IN BLANDFORD FOR DISTRIBUTING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In August 2017, a man from Blandford was handed a significant prison sentence after admitting to the distribution of indecent images of children. Peter Minchin, aged 41 and residing on Bournemouth Road in Blandford, was sentenced to three years behind bars at Bournemouth Crown Court for his involvement in this disturbing criminal activity.

Minchin had previously confessed to creating indecent images of minors, with his offenses spanning from December 2014 to August 2016. The investigation into his activities was initiated after authorities received reports that he had uploaded such illicit images via Twitter. This led to a detailed examination of a tablet belonging to Minchin, which uncovered more than 600 files containing child exploitation images. These files had been shared with dozens of other individuals, highlighting the extent of his involvement in the distribution network.

The court proceedings also revealed that Minchin was not new to such offenses. He had prior convictions dating back to 2010 in Manchester, which included making indecent photographs of children and attempting to groom minors. These previous convictions underscored a pattern of disturbing behavior that spanned several years.

During sentencing, Judge Johnson addressed Minchin directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge stated, “You know these images represent the abuse of young children. Your desire to view these images creates the market for them. It is clear you were playing an active role in the distribution of these disgusting images.”

As part of his punishment, Minchin was also ordered to be on the sex offenders register for life. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that prohibits him from accessing the internet indefinitely, aiming to prevent further offenses and protect the community from potential harm.