National Crime Agency
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Family law solicitor admits possessing child abuse images
A former family law solicitor has pleaded guilty to a number of child sex offences recently (03 March 2017) at Bristol Crown Court.
David Regan, 44, from London, was arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency in September 2014 following a wider child abuse investigation. He was released on bail pending further enquiries but was identified in a separate investigation and re-arrested on the 9th of January 2017.
Regan was initially charged with possessing an image of child sexual abuse and an extreme pornographic video, but recently (03 March 2017) pleaded guilty to a total of ten charges including possessing, distributing and making indecent images of a child and possession and supply of class A drugs.
When officers forensically examined computer devices seized from Regan’s home address, they found in excess of 2,500 category A videos and still images - some of the worst child abuse the investigating officers had seen. There were also a significant number of category B and C videos and images, as well as extreme pornography.
Regan was linked to Adam Toms, one of seven people convicted of 30 child sexual abuse offences as part of the NCA’s Operation Voicer. The men were found guilty of conspiracy to rape and the rape of a child under the age of 13, and sentenced to a total of 107 years in prison in September 2015.
Ty Surgeon from the National Crime Agency said:
“David Regan held a position of trust. However, his chaotic lifestyle and links to other individuals with a sexual interest children has led to his downfall. He continued to view and share indecent images of children following his initial arrest and the images we found in his possession were of the most harrowing kind.
“Every child in sexual abuse images is a victim – and they have to re-live the abuse they suffered each and every time someone views the image.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners nationally and internationally to ensure those who abuse and exploit children are brought to justice”.
Regan has been remanded in custody until the 28th of April 2017 when he will be sentenced.
Information about the NCA's Operation Voicer investigation can be found here.
