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Policing online paedophilia 'extremely difficult'

Sentencing options being reviewed

Investigating cases where individuals are accused of possessing indecent images of children isn't as high a priority as assessing allegations of physical abuse because there's not enough manpower to police the internet.

That message from the Isle of Man Constabulary's lead in an investigation that saw a Douglas man, Martin Andrew Cleator, jailed for two years for possessing more than 900,000 images.

The Island's approach to tackling sexual offences is currently under review with sentencing options being considered by the Attorney General's Chambers.

A public consultation will launch to consider proposed legislative changes late this summer.

Detective Inspector Michelle Mckillop says it's not just a Manx matter, but a 'global online problem' that's 'extremely difficult' to patrol.

She says physically abused children do take priority, but officers try to locate and safeguard all victims when they can:

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