In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 54-year-old David Hill—the owner of the popular Dinosaur World attraction in Torquay—was convicted of serious sexual offences. The investigation established that Hill, who also served as vice chairman of the English Riviera Attractions organisation, was caught with a “shocking” collection of child abuse and sadistic material. The prosecution reported at Exeter Crown Court that police raids in August 2019 led to the seizure of computers from both his home and the office of his harbourside business.
The investigation established that Hill possessed 31 Category A images—the most severe classification—depicting adults sexually violating children. Forensic analysis also uncovered 164 less serious child abuse images and 314 videos depicting extreme sadism and bestiality, including acts of physical torture against women. The prosecution reported that the local business community was “shocked” by the revelations, which led to the immediate boarding up and permanent closure of the interactive dinosaur exhibition.
POSITION OF TRUST AND JUDICIAL FINDINGS
The court reported that Hill’s role as the manager and eventual owner of a children’s attraction placed him in a significant position of trust. The investigation established that Hill resigned from his committee memberships and closed his business shortly before his conviction. The prosecution reported that while the offences involved digital strikes, the nature of the sadistic material and the possession of the worst classification of child abuse images identified an individual with deeply predatory interests.
Judge-led proceedings at Exeter Crown Court concluded in 2020. For his actions in Torquay and the nature of the serial child abuse reported, David Hill was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. The judge also mandated that he sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and made him subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for the same period, enabling the police to monitor his internet activity and digital forensic footprint.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial orders issued in 2020:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Possession of Category A child abuse images; Possession of extreme pornography).
- Custodial Status: SUSPENDED (In 2020, 8 months suspended for 2 years).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2030.
- SHPO Status: Active until 2030 (Imposing strict digital forensic monitoring and prohibitions on unmonitored internet access).
- Business Status: PERMANENTLY CLOSED (Dinosaur World ceased trading in 2020).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court; investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Owner of a child-focused attraction found with Category A abuse images; Possessed 314 sadistic and bestiality videos; Resigned from tourism leadership; Spared immediate jail in 2020.
- Origin: Torquay, Devon.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Hill is managed as a high-risk offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Devon. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his “serial” consumption of sadistic and Category A material while operating a children’s business—he is a priority for unannounced digital forensic inspections. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Hill is permanently flagged on national databases, meaning any attempt to hold a position of trust or operate a tourist attraction in Torquay or elsewhere will be blocked.
As a registered sex offender until 2030, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Hill’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own perverted gratification over the safety and human rights of children. Any failure by Hill to adhere to his rehabilitation requirements, his notification orders, or his restrictive SHPO conditions will result in immediate police intervention and the potential activation of his suspended prison sentence to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was the “Owner of a Children’s Attraction” when he was caught with Category A images, do you believe the law should legally mandate that all business owners of child-focused venues must undergo a mandatory “Police Forensic Sweep” of their business computers every 12 months?
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