HORNURCH MAN ALEX BRYANT ESCAPES PRISON AFTER POSSESSING 95 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN SNARESBROOK

In June 2017, a man from Hornchurch named Alex Bryant faced serious allegations related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. Bryant, aged 25 and residing at Sunrise Avenue in Hornchurch, was brought before Snaresbrook Crown Court to answer charges that included the possession of a significant number of illicit images and the production of such material.

Police conducted a search of Bryant’s home on June 24, 2016, during which they discovered the incriminating content stored on his Samsung mobile phone. The images included six indecent photographs of children under the age of 12, which Bryant had taken himself. Additionally, he admitted to possessing a total of 95 indecent images of children, a charge that carried substantial weight given the nature and volume of the material involved.

At a hearing held on May 23, Bryant pleaded guilty to all charges, including one count of making indecent photographs of children and two counts of taking indecent images. Originally, he was scheduled for a trial, but he chose to admit guilt at the last minute, avoiding a potentially harsher sentence.

Judge Alastair Hammerton presided over the case and delivered the verdict. He emphasized the gravity of Bryant’s actions, describing the possession of indecent images as a gross breach of trust, especially considering the vulnerability of the children depicted. Despite the severity of the crimes, the judge decided to suspend Bryant’s sentence, citing the importance of rehabilitation and the opportunity for the offender to reform.

Judge Hammerton stated that he would “take the exceptional course of suspending the sentence” and believed Bryant “can be adequately punished and take the time to rehabilitate” himself. The court’s decision was based on the belief that Bryant deserved a chance to avoid immediate imprisonment and instead focus on addressing his behavior.

As part of the sentence, Bryant was given a 20-month suspension, meaning he would not serve time in prison unless he committed further offenses during this period. He was also ordered to complete 60 days of rehabilitation activities and perform 100 hours of unpaid community service within the next 12 months. Furthermore, he was required to pay £750 towards the legal costs of the case.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Bryant’s name will be entered into the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will last for 12 years, which restricts his internet usage unless monitored by authorities. These measures aim to prevent any future offenses and protect the community.

Following the sentencing, Bryant’s ex-partner commented on his behavior, revealing that Bryant had a phone involved in the offenses. She expressed her shock, saying, “When we first split up he had that phone that they were talking about. We’d watch things on TV about paedophiles and he said they were disgusting, he pulled the wool over all our eyes.”

Overall, this case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the possession and distribution of indecent images of children, and the judicial system’s efforts to balance punishment with opportunities for rehabilitation. Bryant’s case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting children from exploitation and abuse.