ADAM MAXWELL FROM BRACKNELL ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PAYING 17-YEAR-OLD FOR SEXUAL PHOTOS

In April 2019, a man from Bracknell narrowly avoided imprisonment after it was revealed that he was unaware paying a minor for explicit images was a criminal offense. Adam Maxwell, residing on Brownridge Crescent in Bracknell, engaged in a disturbing online interaction with a 17-year-old girl he met on Facebook. Over a period of time, Maxwell requested the young girl to send him sexual photographs, promising monetary compensation in exchange.

He proceeded to make more than fifty payments to her, amounting to at least £1,300. The payments were made in installments, and Maxwell later shared the explicit images online, further compounding the seriousness of his actions. The victim, feeling increasingly uncomfortable and distressed, confided in her mother about the situation. Her disclosure was prompted by the fact that other individuals had obtained and shared indecent images of her, which had been disclosed by Maxwell himself. The girl was described as wearing knickers and a bra when she was shown in the images.

Following her revelation, Maxwell was arrested by authorities. The police investigation revealed that he had been harassing the girl with up to fifty messages a day, persistently asking for more photographs. Prosecutor Charles Royle detailed that Maxwell had not only requested the images but also inquired about how she should photograph herself and what the content of the images and videos should be. The young woman, who was particularly vulnerable at the time, initially felt flattered and special due to Maxwell’s attention and the payments he made. However, as the situation progressed, she began to feel manipulated and betrayed, describing her feelings as feeling “rubbish.”

During the court proceedings, it was emphasized that Maxwell was unaware that requesting such images from a minor was a criminal offense. His defense lawyer, Fedon Kazantzis, explained that Maxwell believed the girl was 17 and thought he was within the legal boundaries. He added that Maxwell had expressed remorse during his police interview, stating he was ashamed of his actions. Kazantzis also noted that Maxwell had accepted his guilt and that even experienced lawyers can be surprised to learn that 17-year-olds cannot legally exchange explicit images.

Judge Nott acknowledged Maxwell’s remorse, stating, “It is behaviour of which I think you are ashamed, you expressed that in your interview which must have been an uncomfortable experience for you.” The judge decided that Maxwell did not pose a significant risk of reoffending and that his behavior could be effectively managed within the community. As a result, Maxwell was not sentenced to immediate custody but was instead given a two-year community order and a seven-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

The court also heard that Maxwell’s phone, which he used to communicate with the girl, had been factory reset before police could seize it and search for any images. The device was subsequently destroyed to prevent further misuse.