BRIAN TIDBALL FROM FALMOUTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER POSSESSING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN CORNWALL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Falmouth, Cornwall, 57-year-old Brian Tidball narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment after admitting to possessing a collection of indecent images depicting children as young as 18 months old. The incident came to light following a police investigation that uncovered disturbing material stored on his personal devices.

According to court records, police officers executed a search of Tidball’s residence on Marlborough Road in Falmouth in December 2014, after receiving credible information about his potential involvement in possessing illicit images. During the search, authorities recovered a laptop and a hard drive, both of which contained a significant number of indecent photographs and videos. The images were classified into different categories based on their severity, with some being among the most serious.

Specifically, the police found eight still images categorized as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency. Additionally, there were 132 still images and 24 videos classified as Category B, and 152 still images along with six videos falling into Category C, which is considered less severe but still illegal. The Crown Prosecution Service, represented by Phillip Lee, outlined these findings during the court proceedings.

During questioning, Tidball admitted ownership of the devices but claimed he was unaware of the nature of the images stored on them. He stated that he could not explain why such material was present. Furthermore, he denied any particular interest in such content, asserting that only a work colleague had used the devices at his home. However, when police interviewed the colleague, he expressed indignation and clarified that he had only visited Tidball’s house once in the past ten years, casting doubt on Tidball’s claims.

In his police interview, Tidball acknowledged viewing adult pornography but also admitted that he had used search terms that could suggest an interest in younger children, such as “teen boys.” He insisted, however, that he did not have a specific preference for children under 18. The police investigation revealed that his computer contained incriminating search terms, encryption software designed to restrict access to certain data, and images of very young children, some as young as 18 months, with others aged around three years.

Judge Robert Lindford addressed Tidball during the sentencing hearing, noting that he met the criteria for participation in the Horizon Programme, a rehabilitation initiative aimed at offenders of this nature. The judge acknowledged Tidball’s apparent willingness to engage with the programme, stating that he had “expressed a genuine keenness to undertake that.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lindford emphasized the gravity of the offences, stating, “You have pleaded guilty to the possession of a significant quantity of indecent images of children. Eight of those were of the worst sort that the courts categorise. They represent the real abuse of children: this isn’t something created in the ether… children are suffering when this material is created. If you’re tempted again to view this material, you need to remember that fact.”

As a result, Tidball was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time immediately but will be under supervision during this period. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 29 sessions of the Horizon Programme, pay costs of £500, and will be required to sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his offences and the ongoing risk to the community.