Zafer Dogan, 32, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Wood Green Crown Court in North London after admitting to creating and possessing indecent images of children, including those digitally altered using artificial intelligence. Dogan took more than 5,000 photographs of adults and children without their knowledge, many from his bedroom window, and manipulated some images of girls aged seven and 13 into sexually explicit content.

Among the images found on Dogan’s devices were approximately 1,800 indecent photos of children, including 653 categorized as category A, the most serious classification for such offenses. Dogan, who resides in Enfield, was repeatedly granted bail to a flat situated near a children’s playground despite opposition from police and prosecutors.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kelleher of the Metropolitan Police stated that the force unsuccessfully opposed bail on three separate occasions, citing concerns about the risk Dogan posed to the local community. He emphasized that the court was fully informed about the circumstances, including the fact Dogan was being bailed in the vicinity where he had committed the offenses.

The case has prompted criticism regarding the handling of bail decisions, particularly given the proximity of Dogan’s residence to vulnerable locations. Authorities had highlighted the potential threat as part of their efforts to prevent further offenses during the trial process, but the court ultimately allowed Dogan to remain free pending sentencing.