ROBERT COLLIER FROM POOLE CAUGHT WITH OVER 1,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Poole, Robert John Collier, a 46-year-old resident of Winston Avenue, has been found guilty of possessing more than 1,000 indecent images of children. The case came to light after Collier was charged with multiple counts related to the possession of level one photographs depicting minors, with the incidents spanning from March 2010 to December 2011.

According to court records, Collier’s actions were linked to his increasing reliance on internet pornography, which reportedly became a coping mechanism following a series of personal tragedies and ongoing marital issues. The court heard that Collier’s access to these illicit images was facilitated through online platforms, where he encountered pop-up advertisements that led to the automatic download of such material onto his computer. This process, as explained by his defense, was not a deliberate act of downloading but rather an unintended consequence of clicking on these pop-ups.

During the proceedings at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court in January, the court was informed that Collier had initially denied downloading the images, claiming he was unaware they had been stored on his hard drive. His defense attorney, Ron Nickless, emphasized Collier’s remorse and distress, stating, “He clicked on pop-ups (on porn websites) and there has been an immediate download of material straight into his computer, which he had not accessed.” Mr. Nickless further explained that Collier was deeply troubled by the situation, expressing concern over the potential impact on his family and the possibility of public exposure.

Pre-sentence reports indicated that Collier’s risk of re-offending was extremely low, with a predicted chance of just one percent. Despite this, magistrates imposed a three-year community order, requiring Collier to participate in the Thames Valley Sex Offender Groupwork Programme for 60 days under supervision. Additionally, he was ordered to register with the police in Poole for a period of five years and pay costs amounting to £85. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such offenses are treated, even when the defendant shows remorse and a low risk of re-offending.

Overall, this case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding online exploitation and the importance of vigilance in monitoring internet activity, especially when it involves minors. The community of Poole remains watchful as authorities continue to address the complex issues related to internet safety and child protection.