AMIR GILBOA FROM FINCHLEY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY IN NORTH LONDON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Finchley and the wider North London area, Amir Gilboa, a 36-year-old former fitness instructor, was found to possess a significant collection of indecent images of children on his personal computer. The incident came to light during a police raid on his residence in Nether Street, Finchley, last September, where authorities uncovered a total of 676 images and videos depicting minors as young as seven years old.

These images were classified on the police severity scale from levels one to five, with over 450 categorized as level one, indicating the least serious form of child pornography. However, a disturbing 89 images fell into the more severe levels four and five. The police investigation revealed that Gilboa had downloaded these files from file-sharing websites over a period spanning from April to September of the previous year.

During the court proceedings at Wood Green Crown Court, the prosecution, led by barrister Lynn Fanshawe, clarified that Gilboa’s possession of these images was solely for personal gratification, with no evidence suggesting any intent to distribute or profit from the material. When initially questioned after his arrest, Gilboa claimed that a friend had downloaded the images onto his computer. However, he later admitted that he was aware of their presence, although he maintained that the friend had only stored a few of the images.

Gilboa’s defense attorney, Jonathan Goldberg QC, painted a different picture of his client, emphasizing his positive personal qualities. Goldberg described Gilboa as an exemplary son and caring brother, which made his involvement in such activities appear even more “bizarre.” The lawyer argued that Gilboa’s friend was the first to download the images, but that Gilboa knew about it and continued to access the files. Goldberg also stressed that Gilboa had no sexual interest in children and had never fantasized about minors, asserting that he does not lust after children nor masturbate over them.

Throughout the court hearing, Gilboa, dressed in a suit and tie, sat quietly in the dock, only confirming his name when asked. He was visibly emotional, sobbing and wiping tears as the evidence was presented. His wife and family watched from the public gallery, aware of the financial and emotional difficulties that had contributed to his actions. It was revealed that Gilboa had fallen into debt, owing approximately £23,000, and had become depressed after losing his job as a personal trainer at the David Lloyd fitness center.

Goldberg explained that Gilboa sought solace in pornography as a form of escapism, especially given his work schedule and his wife’s absence due to her employment. The defense highlighted that Gilboa’s curiosity and depression, coupled with idle time, led him to access these disturbing images. Goldberg emphasized that Gilboa’s online activity was confined to adult pornography websites and that he had no real-world interest in children.

Addressing the court, His Honour Judge Francis Sheridan acknowledged the seriousness of the case, noting that the use of such images over a six-month period indicated a troubling pattern and an unhealthy interest. While recognizing the gravity of the offense, the judge chose to suspend the prison sentence, citing mercy. Gilboa was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to attend an internet users treatment program.

Furthermore, a sexual offences prevention order was imposed, restricting Gilboa from working with or being around children unsupervised for five years. During this period, he is also required to register on the sex offenders register. Judge Sheridan condemned the exploitation of children, stating, “Every child in these images is a victim. If there weren’t people doing this, the manufacturers wouldn’t have a market. Vile is insufficient to describe the images I have seen.”

He added that a typical man of Gilboa’s age would not normally have an interest in children under 16, emphasizing the severity of the case. The judge concluded by reminding Gilboa of his family’s reputation and heritage, referencing the Holocaust survivors and the pride of the Jewish community in family values. He warned Gilboa that if he failed to adhere to the court’s conditions, a custodial sentence would be inevitable.