Douglas man convicted in Island's 'most complex child abuse image investigation'

Police uncovered over 30,000 images on 52-year-old's devices

A warning that this story contains information which some readers may find distressing.

A Douglas man who led the Isle of Man Constabulary to conduct it's 'most complex child abuse image investigation' ever has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison.

Martin Andrew Cleator, of Ballaquark, was convicted of possession and making indecent photographs of children during an appearance at Douglas Courthouse on Friday (28 November).

It followed a 'technically complex investigation which was supported by the Isle of Man Constabulary’s Digital Evidence Unit (DEU)'.

The 52-year-old 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.

Police say 'despite serving a custodial sentence and being subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), Cleator continued to offend after his release'.

In November 2024, following an operation undertaken by the Constabulary’s Sexual Offender Manager, Cleator was alleged to have breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He was found in possession of unauthorised electronic devices. 

Cleator was remanded in custody and in January 2025 pleaded guilty to the breach. 

The devices seized by police underwent extensive forensic examination between March and May 2025.

As a result, Cleator was charged with 20 further offences relating to the possession and making of indecent images of children.

Officers say his 'advanced IT skills significantly complicated the forensic process'.

They found custom-built computer systems, which included numerous virtual machines and were each password-protected and encrypted. 

It's believed the infrastructure was 'likely to have been deliberately engineered to evade detection and facilitate continued offending'. 

To preserve and analyse the evidence, DEU 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.

Category A images are defined as the most severe, with category C the least serious images.

Following Cleator's sentencing on Friday, all devices found to contain child sexual abuse material have been destroyed. 

Matters pertaining to his Sexual Harm Prevention Order will be discussed at a later hearing.

Detective Chief Inspector Berry commented: "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 Constabulary's 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."