HORRIFIC CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE INVOLVING ROBERT DICKSON FROM HORNSEA

In April 2010, a disturbing case emerged involving Robert Dickson, a retired primary school teacher from Hornsea, who was found to possess nearly 20,000 indecent images of young girls. The revelation sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the severity of his criminal activities.

Robert Dickson, aged 63, resided on Esplanade in Hornsea at the time of his arrest. His background as a former educator, having served as a primary school teacher in Withernsea for 27 years before retiring in 1996, added a layer of betrayal and concern among parents and pupils alike. The court proceedings revealed that Dickson's illicit activities began approximately five years prior to his arrest, coinciding with the purchase of a computer, which he used to access and download the disturbing material.

During the trial at Hull Crown Court, prosecutor Wendy Foster detailed the extent of Dickson's offenses. She stated, "He said since the age of 13 he had been fascinated by porn and had looked for bigger and bigger thrills and younger and younger girls. He admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong but viewed the images for his own sexual gratification." Foster further explained that over 2,000 of the images found on his devices were at the most depraved end of the spectrum, depicting severe abuse, while nearly 14,000 images were at the lowest level, showing children being exploited.

In total, authorities discovered 19,520 indecent images and 159 video clips featuring girls aged between four and ten years old. Dickson was apprehended as part of a nationwide police operation targeting paedophilia and online child exploitation. He pleaded guilty to 16 counts of making indecent photographs—relating to downloading the images—and one count of possessing indecent images.

The court sentenced Dickson to a three-year community order, with an additional three years of supervision managed by the Probation Service. He was also mandated to participate in a sex offender treatment program. Furthermore, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for five years and was issued a lifelong sex offenders’ prevention order. This order requires him to permit police regular access to his computer to monitor his online activity and prevent further offenses.

When approached by the Mail at his residence, Dickson described himself as an "idiot". He expressed remorse, stating, "I'm not sexually attracted to children and can't answer as to why I had the images. It wasn't while I was a teacher. I've been very naive. It's cost me everything and destroyed my whole life. I wish I could turn the clock back. I'm ashamed and sorry and will do anything to try and put it right. I probably won't touch a computer again in the rest of my life."

During sentencing, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC condemned the actions, describing the images as "revolting in the extreme" and "deeply disturbing." He emphasized the shame associated with Dickson's background as a responsible primary school teacher and noted that the criminal activity began only after his retirement, with no prior misconduct linked to his teaching career. The judge expressed concern about the impact on the community, stating, "There will be parents and pupils who will be shocked at what they read and be concerned about what has gone on when you were a school master."

While acknowledging the absence of evidence suggesting misconduct during his teaching years, the judge attributed the criminal behavior to later sexual frustration. He concluded by emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the importance of safeguarding children from such exploitation.

In addition to the sentencing, police have issued an appeal for any individuals who might have suspicions or information related to Dickson's activities. Detective Constable Susan Collinson, from the Internet sex offender investigation unit, urged the public to come forward, especially given the large volume of images, some of which depicted children as young as four. She stated, "This was a case involving a large amount of images, some of children as young as four. We would encourage anyone who has concerns about this case to contact Humberside Police."

Members of the community and concerned citizens are encouraged to report any relevant information by calling Humberside Police at 0845 6060222.