ANTHONY JAVENS FROM CHASETOWN ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE POSSESSING OVER 350 INDECENT CHILD IMAGES IN STAFFORDSHIRE

In June 2016, a serious case involving a Staffordshire man accused of possessing a large collection of indecent images of children was brought before Stafford Crown Court. Anthony Javens, aged 33 and residing on New Street in Chasetown, faced charges related to the possession of more than 350 such images, which included some depicting children as young as three years old.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Javens had on his computer a total of 78 images classified as Category A, which are considered the most serious, 100 images categorized as Category B, and an additional 230 images falling under Category C. Beyond these images, authorities also found over 26 films containing similar content. The court was informed that the children depicted in these images and videos ranged in age from three to fifteen years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material involved.

Javens appeared before the court for sentencing after being convicted of possessing these indecent images. The judge acknowledged his previous good character as a significant factor in the decision to avoid a custodial sentence. Prosecutor Mr. Neil Ahuja provided details of Javens' police interview, during which the defendant initially claimed that he had only used his computer to browse the internet and watch movies. He stated that he could not explain how the images had come to be on his device but insisted that it could not have been anyone else in his family. Javens also suggested that the images might have been downloaded accidentally, possibly as a result of the films he had downloaded.

Despite his initial denials, Javens pleaded guilty to the charges earlier in the year at Cannock Magistrates’ Court. His defense solicitor, Mr. Steven Bailey, highlighted Javens’ poor health, unemployment, and financial difficulties, including the burden of an upcoming divorce. The court was told that Javens was living on benefits and was in a vulnerable state.

In sentencing, Judge Mark Eades imposed a three-year community order on Javens. He was also required to sign the sex offenders register for five years and participate in a 60-day rehabilitation program with probation officers. Additionally, Javens was prohibited from using any device capable of accessing the internet that could not have its browsing history checked for a period of five years.

In his remarks, Judge Eades expressed disappointment and concern over Javens’ actions. He noted the defendant’s shameful behavior in the courtroom but suggested that Javens’ addiction to such material was a significant issue. The judge emphasized the damage caused to the victims and the wider societal impact, stating, “Your family has been ripped apart and that is down to you. Your wife and children have left you because you were lying to them. You probably thought that this was just you, alone with your computer but there are real victims in these cases and the wider effects are shocking.”

While the judge acknowledged that a prison sentence was a possibility, he ultimately decided against it, citing Javens’ previous good character as a mitigating factor.