ANDREW MOTT OF ST ALBANS SENTENCED OVER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENCES

In July 2014, Andrew Mott, a 37-year-old resident of Horsell, Surrey, and former co-owner of the now-defunct Little Wonders toy shop in St Albans, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court after admitting to multiple child abuse image offences. Mott attributed his actions to an alcohol problem and being in a “dark place,” which he said led him to keep over 1,000 indecent images of children.

Mott, who co-owned the award-winning toy store that initially operated at The Maltings shopping centre before relocating to Holywell Hill in 2010, closed the shop in 2011 following liquidation. Prosecutor Alan Richards recounted that on June 27 of the previous year, police executed a search warrant at Hunt Close, St Albans, after receiving relevant information.

When officers arrived, they cautioned Mott and asked whether he possessed any indecent images. During police custody, Mott disclosed details of multiple email addresses and file-sharing accounts, offering a “frank admission” about his historical use of such images. Mr Richards stated that Mott “had searched for indecent images of children, the youngest of whom was nine years old.”

The investigation uncovered over 1,000 images, including the most serious Category A and B types. Police found five storage devices—one containing 879 images—and seized 84 moving images, 43 of which were Category A.

Mott’s devices also contained a number of videos, further evidencing his involvement. His lawyer, Jean-Jack Chalmers, referenced supportive statements from family members and highlighted Mott’s profound remorse.

Chalmers explained that Mott was “deeply, deeply ashamed” and “truly sorry for his actions,” accepting the seriousness of the offences and the necessity of punishment. He added that Mott is committed to addressing the issues behind his conduct and has engaged in courses run by The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a child protection charity.

Mott explained that his substance abuse stemmed from depression and anxiety following bankruptcy and relationship breakdowns. Despite these struggles, he maintains a positive relationship with his daughter. After losing a previous job due to ongoing alcohol issues, Mott retrained as a labourer in flooring and carpentry.

The court heard that Mott was in a “dark place” at the time of the offences but had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Judge Michael Baker sentenced him to a three-year community order with supervision and required attendance at a sex offenders’ treatment programme. Given his apparent alcohol dependency, he was also ordered to participate in six sessions of an alcohol rehabilitation programme.

Additionally, Mott was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years. A sexual offences prevention order was also being arranged. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and court costs of £425.