A prolific sex offender from South Cheshire who was found with thousands of child abuse images on his device has been jailed for 10 years.
Police found extreme abuse images and videos on Daniel Tunney’s devices when they raided his home in Crewe.
Tunney, 42, of Manor Way, pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children (IIOC) and breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
Officers from the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team conducted a warrant at his address on Tuesday September 24.
As part of his sex offender registration conditions, Tunney is required to notify police of any digital devices he owns or has access to.
During the search, Tunney was arrested and officers seized three unregistered digital devices – a mobile phone, a hard drive, and a memory card.
Officers discovered Tunney was in possession of thousands of images and videos displaying child abuse, these included at least 603 category A images, 240 category A videos, 735 category B images, 40 category B videos, 46,045 category C images, and 13 category C videos.
He was also found in possession of 104 images and 36 videos of extreme pornography.
A further 72,659 images and videos remain uncategorised.
When interviewed, Tunney answered “no comment” to all questions, but was charged with the offences regardless due to the amount of evidence gathered against him.
Tunney was left with no choice but to plead guilty. He appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday (January 3) and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Nathanael Johnston said: “Tunney is a prolific sex offender who posed a significant risk to children.
“During our investigation, we found that he was in possession of more than 90,000 indecent images of child sexual abuse.
“Through the work of our officers, we were able to quickly bring him to justice and he is now facing the consequences of his actions behind bars.”
Detective Constable Meg Griffiths, of the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “It is important to note that these crimes are not victimless, and as this case demonstrates, we are committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who engage in online child sexual exploitation and play a part in the sexual abuse of children in Cheshire and beyond.”
To report a sexual offence call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report
Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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