A 52-year-old man has been convicted of possession and making over 30,000 indecent photographs of children.
Martin Andrew Cleator of Douglas was convicted on Friday (November 28) following a technically complex investigation.
Mr Cleator, who is unemployed, was previously sentenced in May 2017 to two years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to 11 counts of possession and one count of making indecent images of children.
Despite serving a custodial sentence and being subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), Mr Cleator continued to offend after his release.
Indecent Images
In November 2024, following an Operation undertaken by the Isle of Man Constabulary’s Sexual Offender Manager, Mr Cleator was alleged to have breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), having been found in possession of unauthorised electronic devices.
Mr Cleator was remanded in custody and in January 2025 pleaded guilty to the breach.
The devices seized by the Constabulary underwent extensive forensic examination and between March and May 2025, Mr Cleator was charged with 20 further offences relating to the possession and making of indecent images of children.
Complex Investigation
Mr Cleator’s advanced IT skills significantly complicated the forensic process. Custom-built computer systems, which included numerous virtual machines, were each password-protected and encrypted.
The infrastructure was likely to have been deliberately engineered to evade detection and facilitate continued offending.
To preserve and analyse the evidence, Isle of Man Constabulary’s Digital Evidence Unit specialists were required to reconstruct the original digital environment—an effort described as exceptionally time-consuming and technically demanding.
The investigation uncovered over 35 exhibits totalling approximately 36 terabytes of digital storage.
Over 30,000 images were revealed and categorised under Categories A, B, and C of child sexual abuse material.
Sentenced
On Friday, Mr Cleator was sentenced to four and half years in custody and all devices found to contain CSAM will be destroyed following the hearing.
Meanwhile matters pertaining to his SHPO will be discussed at a later hearing.
Detective Chief Inspector Berry said: “This case marks a turning point in our digital forensic capabilities.
“The scale and sophistication of Mr Cleator’s offending, including custom built computer systems, presented unprecedented challenges to the investigation team.
“The Constabularies Digital Evidence Unit have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise throughout, culminating in securing this conviction.
“The Isle of Man Constabulary remains resolute in our mission to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable in our communities and bring offenders to justice.”