Wisbech man caught with more than 14,000 indecent images of children

A man who was caught in possession of more than 14,000 indecent images of children claimed he bought the devices containing them from a car boot sale.

Officers received information that an IP address linked to Stephen Brown’s home in Admirals Drive, Wisbech, had been accessing indecent images of children in September 2017.

Officers carried out a warrant at the property on October 12 2017 and various electronic devices were seized belonging to Brown, 59.

Analysis of the devices revealed a total of 14,222 indecent images of children and 429 videos.

Of the images, 6,822 were classed as category A – the most severe.

In police interview, Brown admitted the electronic devices – namely a laptop, SD card, computer tower and digital camera – were his.

He claimed that officers wouldn’t find any illegal material on them and said he had bought them second-hand from a car boot sale in September 2017.

However, Brown later pleaded guilty to seven charges of making indecent photographs of children.

He was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on October 9, where he was handed 21 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Brown was also ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.

DC Melanie Bull, who investigated, said: “Brown stored thousands 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.

“The SHPO will also allow the police to manage and monitor Brown’s online behaviour over the next decade, thereby reducing the risk of harm to the public.”

Anyone who is concerned someone may have been convicted of a sex offence, and could be posing a risk to a child, can apply for disclosure information through Sarah’s Law.

More information on sexual offences and the Sex Offenders Register can be found on the force website.

An NSPCC spokesman for the East of England said: “Brown downloaded some of the most depraved images of children suffering despicable abuse that can have a long-lasting impact on their lives.

“Offenders like Brown are fuelling a vile trade and it’s vital they undergo treatment to lessen the risk of reoffending.

“But the war on online child abuse images cannot be left up to the police and justice system alone. Internet providers and social networks must commit more resources to prevent this sickening material being circulated in the first place.”

Anyone concerned about indecent images or the welfare of a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk