ROBERT IRVINE FROM CROWDEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN DERBY COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Crowden near Glossop, Robert Irvine, a 60-year-old resident of The Campsite in Crowden, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for possessing and distributing highly disturbing child abuse images. The case was heard at Derby Crown Court, where the severity of Irvine's actions was laid bare.

Judge John Wait delivered a stern verdict, condemning Irvine's conduct and the nature of the images involved. The judge stated, “Those images portray children being tortured. That torture is carried out for the pleasure of perverted people like you. These acts are being carried out upon children tortured for money. It is a vile trade and people like you are sucked in.” The judge’s words underscored the heinousness of Irvine’s crimes and the broader implications of such material circulating within society.

Irvine pleaded guilty to 17 charges, which included the distribution of indecent photographs, downloading such images, and possessing three counts of extreme pornography. The prosecution, led by Miss Vee Monro, revealed that Irvine was interviewed by police on March 16. During the interview, Irvine quickly admitted to possessing images of children and passing some of these images to others, although he refused to disclose the identities of those who received the material.

The police investigation uncovered a total of 1,984 images stored on Irvine’s devices, among which 24 were classified as ‘extreme pornography’. The images included a disturbing range of content, with one depicting a child believed to be between six and 18 months old, and another showing a child estimated to be between three and five years old. Irvine’s actions have been described as part of a disturbing trade that exploits vulnerable children for profit.

Prior to sentencing, Irvine had already served 116 days in custody. The court sentenced him to serve an additional eight months in prison, after which he is expected to be released on licence. The case has sent a clear message about the seriousness with which such crimes are treated, and the impact they have on victims and society as a whole.

Miss Sonal Ahya, representing Irvine, offered mitigation, stating, “This has had a massive impact upon him. There is definitely a recognition by him that this is not a victimless crime. He shows some awareness to that extent.” Despite this, the court emphasized the gravity of Irvine’s actions and the need for justice to be served for the victims involved.