A paedophile has been convicted of making indecent images of children after using the dark web to download more than 14,000 pictures and videos.
Mark James Dale, aged 45, was arrested by investigators from the National Crime Agency at his home in Market Place, Romford, in July last year.
His laptop had been linked to a known paedophile forum.
Dale, who has previous convictions for child sexual abuse offences, frequented chat rooms and used TOR software to search for abuse material online.
A seized laptop and tablet were found to contain 14,222 indecent images and videos of children – ranging from category A, the most serious, to C.
In 2011 and 2019, Dale was convicted for similar offences and was bound to strict rules under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). These included registering any digital devices with the Metropolitan Police Service.
Last week, on Friday 5th February at Barkingside Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children.
On 15th February at Snaresbrook Crown Court, he will be sentenced for all charges, including breaching his SHPO.
NCA Operations Manager Martin Ludlow said:
“Every image or video Dale downloaded and viewed depicts a child being exploited.
“This is an individual with a history of committing child sexual abuse offences. His willingness to continue with his behaviour, and use of the dark web to try and circumvent those who were monitoring him, shows a total disregard for victims, and the seriousness of his crimes.
“Working with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure those who pose a risk to children are brought to justice.”
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Yet more evidence, were any needed, that the nonsense community punishments are completely ineffective. Had he been locked up in the first place, the cost of further investigation and prosecution would have been saved, the congestion in the courts eased and our children safer. He also would not have been able to re-offend, a very considerable benefit to the nation as a whole.