BRIAN THORNILL SENTENCED IN SOUTH GODSTONE FOR ANIMAL AND CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In December 2013, Brian Thornhill, a resident of Lagham Road in South Godstone, was handed a significant prison sentence following his conviction on multiple serious charges related to sexual offences and the possession of extreme pornography. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, December 20, after a jury found Thornhill guilty of six counts of possessing extreme pornographic images and videos, as well as five counts of engaging in sexual activities in the presence of a child.

During the court proceedings, disturbing details emerged about Thornhill’s activities. It was revealed that he was the head of the North Downs Pony Club, an organization that, according to reports, was associated with his abusive behavior. Evidence presented in court indicated that Thornhill had flogged and paddled women he considered his 'slaves' in the presence of a young boy, an act that added to the gravity of his offences. Police investigations uncovered a DVD at his home containing extreme images and videos, some depicting sexual acts involving his pet dog, which further underscored the disturbing nature of his misconduct.

Judge Neil Stewart, in delivering the sentence, read a pre-sentence report that questioned Thornhill’s motivations. The report highlighted the difficulty in determining whether Thornhill’s actions were driven by a sexual attraction to children or if he simply lacked boundaries, noting that the child's presence during some of the offences appeared to be accidental. As Thornhill shook his head in response, the judge condemned his attitude, stating, “You are a completely self-centred and selfish person who continues to believe you are in the right despite the verdict of a jury.” The judge emphasized that such serious offences warranted a custodial sentence, citing Thornhill’s inability to accept the impact of his actions on the victim.

Furthermore, the court heard that Thornhill was a high risk to children. His arrest was triggered by the discovery of a photograph circulating online, which depicted him naked, chained in BDSM gear, alongside a young boy. When police searched his residence, they found a collection of extreme pornographic images and videos involving women and animals. During an online chat, Thornhill expressed hope that the child involved would become a “little outrageous pervert,” revealing his disturbing mindset.

Thornhill was sentenced to 18 months for each of the counts related to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children, with these sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, he received three months for each of the six counts of possessing extreme pornography, with these sentences to be served consecutively, resulting in a total prison term of 21 months. The judge remarked that the severity of the activity was beyond the scope of existing guidelines, making the sentencing particularly challenging.

Charlotte Surley, representing Thornhill, argued that there was no coercion or intimidation involved in the incidents with the child and that Thornhill had not threatened him to prevent reporting. She also highlighted Thornhill’s health issues, including an inoperable brain tumour, and his ongoing struggles with shame and community humiliation, as well as his imminent eviction from his home. Despite these mitigating factors, the court imposed a 10-year sexual offences prevention order and ordered Thornhill to register as a sex offender for the next decade. The judge concluded by warning that Thornhill remains a high risk to children, underscoring the seriousness of his offences and the potential for future harm.