SAMUEL STAMP DOD FROM IPSWICH AND DODGE COUNTY FACES CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGES AFTER HORRIFIC DISCOVERY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Samuel Stamp-Dod, a well-known balloon artist from Ipswich, was compelled to surrender himself to police authorities following a horrifying discovery made by his then-girlfriend. The incident unfolded in early 2020 when she found child sexual abuse images on his electronic device, leading to a series of legal proceedings that have brought to light the severity of his actions.

According to prosecutor Matthew Bagnall, the girlfriend had gone downstairs early one morning in search of a glass of water when she stumbled upon an indecent image of a ten-year-old child on Stamp-Dod's tablet. The image was part of a collection of illicit material that she subsequently uncovered, revealing a disturbing pattern of child exploitation. Shocked and horrified by the discovery, she immediately ended their relationship and urged him to turn himself in to the police authorities.

In response to the allegations, Samuel Stamp-Dod, who has previously garnered awards for his balloon sculptures and was known for his professional work in Ipswich, decided to cooperate with law enforcement. He visited the Ipswich police station voluntarily, where he handed over his phone to officers for examination. A forensic analysis of his devices uncovered a staggering number of illegal images, totaling 216 of the most serious category A, along with 304 images classified as category B and an additional 1,030 images in category C. These findings confirmed the gravity of the charges against him.

On January 5 of the previous year, Stamp-Dod, aged 46 and residing in Ipswich, admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children and possessing an extreme pornographic image. The court proceedings took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where Judge Emma Peters addressed the defendant, emphasizing the broader implications of his actions. She stated, “Those who view indecent images fuel child abuse,” and added, “This is why you should hang your head in shame. It has an enormous and devastating impact on the lives of children.”

Following his admission, Stamp-Dod was sentenced to eight months in jail, though the sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete up to 60 days of rehabilitation activities. As part of his ongoing legal obligations, he is required to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years and is subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, aimed at preventing any further offenses.

Prior to these events, in July 2020, Stamp-Dod had already taken the step of reporting himself to police after his then-girlfriend discovered the illicit images. His decision to turn himself in was seen as a significant development in the case, which has garnered considerable media attention. The court heard that he was the owner of VIP Balloons, a business based in Ipswich, and had been working as a professional balloon artist since 2001. His reputation as a skilled entertainer was well-known in the local community, but these allegations have cast a dark shadow over his career.

Judge Emma Peters also instructed Stamp-Dod to fully cooperate with the probation service during the preparation of his pre-sentence report, warning that all sentencing options, including custody, remained on the table. The court scheduled a sentencing hearing for August 21, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined. The case continues to evoke strong reactions from the public and highlights the ongoing fight against child exploitation and abuse.