Sex offender jailed for possessing indecent images of children

A prolific sex offender who was found with indecent images of children on his device has been jailed.

Gavin Collins appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 6 November where he was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

The 40-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images of children, two counts of making indecent images of children, and two breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The case against Collins began on Tuesday 16 April, when officers from the Sex Offenders Management Unit attended Collins’ home address on Middlewich Road, Northwich, as part of the routine checks made to monitor registered sex offenders.

While at the address, officers used risk management software on Collins' devices to detect any keywords of concern.

The software alerted officers to a number of concerning searches and posts, indicating that Collins had been reoffending. He was immediately arrested on suspicion of possessing of indecent images of children and his devices were sent for forensic examination.

The seized devices were found to contain 92 indecent images of children - 91 category C images, and 1 category A image.

Following analysis of his devices, officers found Collins was also in breach of his SHPO after discovering he had been using a messaging app that destroys messages and images after 14 days.

Collins was subsequently charged with the offences and left with no choice but to plead guilty.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Keith Campbell said:

“Collins has repeatedly demonstrated the high risk he poses to the local community, and he shows a complete lack of remorse.

“He thought he could go on to offend without disruption, but thankfully our officers were able to intervene and put him behind bars.

“The work of Cheshire Constabulary’s Sex Offenders Management Unit is paramount to ensuring sexual predators like Collins face the consequences of their heinous and despicable crimes.

“It is important to note that these crimes are not victimless, and I hope this result shows we remain steadfast in pursuing and bringing to justice those who engage in online child sexual exploitation and play a part in the sexual abuse of children in Cheshire and beyond."

To report a sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report

Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on:

0800 555 111

Pictured - Gavin Collins of Middlewich Road in Northwich.