BRETT SAUNDERS FROM TOOTHILL SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AFTER REPEAT OFFENSES

In a case that highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals with a history of child exploitation, Brett Saunders, a resident of Beaulieu Close in Toothill, has been sentenced to prison once again for possessing and creating indecent images of children. Saunders, aged 40, was found to have accumulated thousands of such images and videos on electronic devices that he was explicitly prohibited from owning, raising serious concerns about compliance with court orders and the safety of potential victims.

The investigation leading to Saunders' arrest was conducted by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which focused on a specialized website known for hosting 'bespoke' child abuse content. This site was not accessible to the general public; it required prior knowledge and the installation of specific software to access its content. Prosecutor Rosie Collins explained to Swindon Crown Court that the site facilitated the creation of custom-made videos, effectively allowing users to order specific abuse scenarios. Although there was no evidence to suggest Saunders ordered abuse directly, authorities traced his activity to the site and linked him to its use.

In September of the previous year, police executed a search warrant at Saunders' home in Swindon. During the search, they recovered a laptop, a hard drive, two thumb drives, and a mobile phone—all devices he was legally barred from possessing under the terms of a sexual offences prevention order issued after his earlier conviction. Forensic analysis of these devices revealed more than 5,000 images and videos depicting children being abused. The majority of these victims were under the age of 13, with some as young as three or four years old, underscoring the severity and disturbing nature of his offenses.

Back in May 2010, Saunders had already served an eight-month prison sentence following his initial conviction for similar offenses. At that time, he was also subject to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibited him from using computers or other electronic devices without approved filtering software and police permission. Despite these restrictions, Saunders admitted during questioning that he had resumed downloading indecent images of children, though he could not explain why he had started again.

He pleaded guilty to breaching the existing sexual offences prevention order, as well as to eight counts of making indecent images and one count of possessing such images. His previous conviction stemmed from an incident at his workplace, where a colleague discovered a CD containing vile images. When police investigation intensified, Saunders attempted to destroy evidence by throwing a laptop into a river, an act that further demonstrated his awareness of the illicit nature of his activities.

During the sentencing hearing, defense lawyer Graham Bennett argued that Saunders received minimal support for his addiction during his brief time in prison and acknowledged that his actions warranted serious punishment. Judge Euan Ambrose addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of Saunders' repeated offenses. He noted that between November 2011 and September of the following year, Saunders had searched for, sought out, and downloaded at least 5,672 indecent images of children. The judge pointed out that the actual number was likely higher, but police resources limited the extent of their cataloging.

While Saunders expressed remorse and a desire to seek treatment, the judge highlighted the pattern of repeated offending shortly after his release from prison. In light of these factors, Saunders was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. Additionally, a new sexual offences prevention order was imposed to remain in effect upon his eventual release, aiming to prevent further harm and protect potential victims in the future.