Police Discover 58,000 Inappropriate Images on Convicted Paedophile's Laptop

A Southampton court heard that authorities found 58,000 "inappropriate" images on the laptop of convicted paedophile, Malcolm Webster, leading to his fourth child sex offence conviction. Webster, 69, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

The investigation began after officers inspected Webster's electronic devices, discovering drawings of children, thousands of prohibited pictures, and over 7,000 illegal images, including indecent movies. While the police were examining a seized computer tower, Webster purchased a laptop that contained the 58,000 "inappropriate" images.

During the sentencing, Judge Nicholas Rowland stated, "Only because of people like you are that these young children are being abused and the misery that it causes them. If you did not distribute the images, they would not be abused."

Webster, of Leaside Way, Southampton, admitted to making indecent images, distributing indecent photos, and possessing prohibited images. Following the conviction, The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a child protection charity, urged anyone concerned about their online behaviour or that of others to contact the confidential and anonymous "Stop It Now" helpline on 0808 1000 900 or visit stopitnow.org.uk for help.