September 2014
Alvaston pervert found with almost 2,000 indecent images of boys
A “SAD loner” who “struggled to come to terms with his sexuality” was caught with almost 2,000 indecent images of underage boys on his computer.
When police arrested and questioned Darren Herd about the images he told them he had “an interest in naturism,” Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court was told.
The boys in the images were aged 13 to 15 and only one of them was the most serious category, magistrates were told.
Herd, 43, of Meadow Lane, Alvaston, pleaded guilty to five counts of making indecent images when he appeared at court last week.
Magistrates handed him a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered him to undertake 120 hours’ unpaid work.
He was also put under supervision for two years and must attend a community sex offenders’ programme.
Tim Smith, for Herd, told the hearing: “He is a man of 43 who has no previous convictions.
“In some way he is a bit of a sad loner who has never been in a relationship before.
“He has struggled to come to terms with his sexuality and his situation is that he is lonely.”
Lynne Manning, prosecuting, said police were called to Herd’s address in February this year and discovered more than 1,800 indecent images on his laptop.
All but 31 of them were the lowest category.
Mrs Manning said: “In interview the defendant told police he had an interest in naturism.
“He said he liked to see people in their natural state.”
Magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the images and ordered Herd to pay £85 costs and an £780 victim surcharge.
