March man sentenced for possession of indecent images of children
A man who was caught in possession of more than 5,000 indecent images of children has been given a sexual harm prevention order.
Martin Ward, 50, was linked to an Internet Portal (IP) address that was being used to upload indecent images of children to the internet.
Officers carried out a warrant at his home in Deerfield Road, March, on July 7 last year, where they seized a number of electronic devices.
Analysis of the devices revealed 5,288 indecent images and three videos. Of the images found, 3,445 were classed as category A – the most severe.
During a voluntary interview at March Police Station, Ward admitted to holding indecent images of children across multiple devices.
Yesterday (4 October) at Peterborough Crown Court, he was sentenced to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and a given a sexual harm prevention order lasting ten years for making indecent photographs of children, possessing extreme pornographic images of an animal and possession of prohibited images of a child.
DC Gareth Purdy, who investigated, said: “Ward stored a large number of indecent images representing vile abuse of innocent young people.
“Tackling both the creation and possession of such images is a priority for the force and we are committed to bringing those involved in this type of criminality before the courts.”
A spokesman for children's charity the NSPCC said: "“By downloading these images Ward has knowingly fuelled a vile trade that thrives off the sickening sexual abuse of young children.
“It is essential that rehabilitation is part of his sentence to help prevent him from causing further harm in the future.
“We are all responsible for the safety and welfare of children. If you’re concerned about a child you can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk”
Anyone who has concerns about child abuse should contact Cambridgeshire Constabulary on 101, Children’s Social Care or the NSPCC.