SIMON OLDFIELD FROM DOLTON AND WINKLEIGH CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES IN DEVON

In a serious case that has shocked the local communities of Dolton and Winkleigh in Mid Devon, Simon Oldfield has been subjected to legal action after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of his involvement in possessing indecent images of young girls. The incident came to light in May 2016 when police, acting on information provided by the National Crime Agency, executed a search warrant at Oldfield's residence located on Wood Lane in Dolton.

During the raid, law enforcement officials discovered a troubling collection of digital material stored on Oldfield's computer. The investigation revealed that he possessed a total of 886 images depicting underage girls in sexually explicit poses. These images ranged from girls as young as six years old, some depicted naked, while others were shown wearing bathing costumes. The severity of the material was underscored by the fact that one such image was also found on his Twitter account, which was linked to the email address 'The white bull rides again.'

Oldfield's arrest marked a significant step in the case, and he was subsequently brought before Exeter Crown Court. During proceedings, it was disclosed that he had no sexual interest in children, claiming that the images were shared by other users within an online community called KIK. Despite this assertion, the court found the evidence compelling enough to proceed with charges. Oldfield admitted to one count of making category C indecent images, a classification that indicates images involving sexual posing but not explicit sexual activity.

Following his admission, Oldfield was ordered to undertake a 60-day rehabilitation program with the probation service, as part of a community order. Additionally, he was required to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for a period of five years, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, granting police the authority to monitor his internet activity during this time. The judge, Graham Cottle, emphasized the gravity of such offenses, stating that the production and distribution of such images contribute directly to the exploitation of children and the profitability of those involved in this criminal enterprise.

Judge Cottle also highlighted the importance of community efforts to combat this form of crime, warning Oldfield that any repetition of his offending behavior would result in imprisonment. He acknowledged that Oldfield had begun addressing his issues by engaging with organizations such as Stop it Now and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which aim to prevent internet-related offenses. Furthermore, bail conditions restrict Oldfield from having full access to his three children, reflecting ongoing concerns about his potential risk to minors.

Prosecutor Mr. Gordon Richings explained that the National Crime Agency identified Oldfield after an image was sent to his Hotmail account. The investigation uncovered that all 886 images were in the lowest category, primarily involving sexual posing rather than explicit sexual acts. The presence of one image on Oldfield's Twitter account further implicated him in the possession of illicit material. Despite his claims of no sexual interest in children, Oldfield admitted that he viewed the images as akin to admiring cars, indicating a troubling detachment from the seriousness of his actions.

Defense lawyer Mr. Paul Grumbar argued that Oldfield had already suffered significant consequences, including being kept away from his children due to bail restrictions. He expressed that his client had shown remorse and was committed to seeking help through the probation service. Oldfield, who is currently unemployed and suffering from clinical depression, has isolated himself at home, limiting his outside contact and support networks. The court's decision reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing both his criminal behavior and underlying mental health issues, aiming to prevent future offenses and protect the community from harm.