Jail for man caught with indecent images of children

35-year-old in 'continued denial' after being found guilty

A Douglas man described as being in ‘continued denial’ after being caught with more than 270 indecent images of children has been jailed.

Philip Davidson, of Brinton Court, had denied four offences of making the images, on three devices, between June 2011 and August 2022.

The 35-year-old, who had no previous convictions, stood trial at Douglas Courthouse earlier this year and was found guilty by a jury.

The court heard Davidson’s former partner had reported him to the police after finding the images on his laptop.

During sentencing the court was told a social enquiry report compiled after the verdict showed ‘little remorse’.

Davidson’s advocate told the court his client’s offending was ‘sporadic’ over an 11-year period and urged Deemster Graeme Cook not to impose immediate custody.

This, the advocate said, would place him around ‘more hardened offenders of this nature’ adding: “This will only increase the risk of further offences taking place.”

However Deemster Cook told Davidson that any children depicted in this way are being ‘exploited’ adding: “You may think they’re just photographs – well they’re not.”

Addressing his decision to take the matter to trial he added: “Frankly the evidence against you was overwhelming.”

Sending Davidson to prison for 13 months Deemster Cook also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.