ANTHONY MARIS FROM LONG SUTTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN LINCOLN

In December 2009, a 65-year-old man from Long Sutton, Anthony Ernest Maris, faced serious allegations related to the possession of explicit images involving minors. The case was brought before Lincoln Crown Court, where Maris appeared to answer five counts of possessing indecent images of children.

Maris, who resides on Hospital Drove in Long Sutton, admitted to the charges in October of that year. His guilty plea marked a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into online child exploitation. Despite the gravity of the charges, the court opted for a non-custodial sentence, imposing a 36-month community supervision order instead of imprisonment.

As part of his sentence, Maris was prohibited from working with children in any capacity, a measure aimed at preventing any potential risk to minors. Additionally, he is required to participate in a specialized treatment program designed for internet sex offenders, reflecting the court's recognition of the need for rehabilitation alongside punishment. Furthermore, Maris will be registered as a sex offender for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety.

DC Claire Hammond, a member of Lincolnshire Police’s paedophile online investigation team, expressed her perspective on the case, stating, “We are slightly disappointed that the sentence was not a custodial one. The offences committed by Maris have impacted on every aspect of his life and have been a great source of embarrassment and upset to his family and friends.”

Overall, the case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address online child exploitation, while also raising questions about sentencing practices in such serious cases.