SIMON DOUGLAS FROM CARRICKFERGUS SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING OVER 3,000 INDECENT IMAGES OF GIRLS

In August 2019, a man from Carrickfergus named Simon Douglas faced serious legal consequences after being found in possession of a vast collection of indecent images depicting young girls. The case unfolded following a police operation in June 2016, during which officers conducted an intelligence-led search at Douglas's residence in Broadlands, Carrickfergus.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Douglas, who appeared to be aware of their purpose. He reportedly told the officers, "I know exactly why you are here. I just can’t help myself," indicating a level of awareness about his illicit activities. The police seized multiple electronic devices, including his mobile phone, laptop, and a hard drive, which were later subjected to detailed forensic examination.

The investigation revealed a disturbing collection of 3,379 indecent images of pre-teen girls stored across these devices. Prosecutor Simon Jenkins detailed that the images were of a highly inappropriate and illegal nature, and their discovery marked a significant breach of the law. During police interviews, Douglas admitted to viewing such images for approximately five years, dating back to around 2012. He also confessed that he would sometimes delete images after saving them but would then resume seeking similar content online, indicating a compulsive pattern of behavior.

Despite his admission, Douglas maintained a clean criminal record prior to this incident. However, the period of offending spanned several years, from 2012 through 2016, highlighting a sustained pattern of illegal activity. The case drew attention to the serious nature of his actions and the potential risk posed to children.

During the court proceedings at Belfast Crown Court, a defence lawyer addressed the court, noting that media reports had led to community backlash. The lawyer explained that Douglas’s home had been targeted, forcing him to leave his residence due to attacks on his property. The defence also pointed out that probation authorities assessed the likelihood of re-offending as low, but acknowledged that there were areas in his life that required intervention and rehabilitation.

Judge RoseAnn McCormick QC delivered the sentence, describing the images as “horrible” and “truly repulsive.” She expressed her disapproval of Douglas’s actions, emphasizing the shame and damage caused to his family. The judge remarked on the challenges Douglas’s offending had brought directly to his doorstep, underscoring the personal and social impact of his crimes.

As part of his punishment, Douglas was sentenced to a 30-month probation order, during which he would be monitored and required to undergo appropriate interventions. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual offences prevention order for ten years, restricting his activities and access to certain online content to prevent further offending. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with the possession and distribution of indecent images of minors, and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat such crimes.