Paedophiles shared child abuse pictures and fantasies together online.

Two Cornwall Men Sentenced for Sharing Child Abuse Images and Engaging in Disturbing Online Conversations

David Podmore, 44, and Mitchell Franklin, 76, were sentenced at Truro Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges related to child sexual abuse material. The court heard details of their disturbing online activities, including the sharing of indecent images and conversations discussing their sexual interests in children.

Podmore, from Liskeard, and Franklin, from St Austell, were found to have shared child abuse images and engaged in explicit conversations with other individuals, including each other, about their warped fantasies. The court was told that Franklin had uploaded an indecent image of a child to Facebook, prompting police to execute a warrant and seize multiple devices containing illegal content.

Further investigation revealed that Podmore had attempted to engage in sexual communication with a child, sending sexually explicit images and suggesting a meeting for sex. Both defendants were described as having good character prior to these offenses, but the court emphasized the seriousness of their actions.

Judge Simon Carr delivered a strong statement, highlighting the devastating consequences of child abuse and the role that individuals who view and share such material play in perpetuating the industry. He emphasized that the court views these offenses as extremely serious and noted the need to address the defendants' perversions.

Both Podmore and Franklin were sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. They must also complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.