Prolific sex offender found with indecent images of children

Gavin Collins has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being found with indecent images of children on his devices.

The 40-year-old was caught by police as part of routine checks made to monitor registered sex offenders.

Following the sentencing at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday (November 6), 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.”

Gavin Collins (Image: Cheshire Police)

Officers from Cheshire Police’s Sex Offenders Management Unit conducted a routine check of Collins’ home on Middlewich Road on April 16 this year.

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 one category A image.

Following analysis of his devices, officers found Collins was also in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order made by Croydon Crown Court on May 24, 2019.

It was discovered that he had been using a messaging app that destroys messages and images after 14 days.

Collins was subsequently charged possession of indecent images of children, two counts of making indecent images of children, and two breaches of his SHPO.

He appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday where he was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

DS Campbell added: “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.