HAYLE TEEN CAMERON PRESTON CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In June 2014, a teenager from Hayle named Cameron Preston faced serious allegations after it was revealed that he had downloaded an extensive collection of indecent images of children. The case came to light when Preston’s family expressed concerns about his whereabouts, prompting them to report his disappearance to local authorities on September 18 of the previous year.

According to prosecutor Elaine Hobson, Preston had been struggling with depression at the time and had confessed to repeatedly accessing the internet to view illegal images. His family’s report led police to his residence, where they conducted a thorough search and seized two computers for forensic examination.

The analysis of Preston’s devices uncovered a disturbing cache of illegal material. The forensic experts found that he had downloaded a total of 689 images classified as Category C, which is considered less severe but still illegal. Additionally, there were 50 images in Category B and 20 in Category A, the most serious classification, indicating the severity of the content he had accessed. The police also discovered 41 prohibited images of children, which were cartoons rather than real children, but still illegal under the law.

On October 8, Preston admitted to officers that he had downloaded the indecent images. During questioning, he revealed that he was particularly aroused by images of young girls aged between 12 and 14 years old. Preston expressed a need for professional help to address his compulsive behavior and his desire to view such material.

Preston, who resides on Penmare Terrace in Hayle, had previously admitted to making and possessing indecent images of children in a separate hearing. His earlier plea covered seven counts related to images created or stored between November 2011 and September of the previous year, along with one count of possessing prohibited images of children.

Judge Christopher Harvey Clark, QC, addressed Preston’s history, noting that he had been warned by police about similar conduct when he was younger. The judge emphasized that despite these warnings, Preston continued his behavior, stating, “The police said, ‘Don’t do it again,’ but he did.”

Defense lawyer Curt Lewis acknowledged Preston’s remorse and his efforts to seek counseling before the offenses were uncovered. However, the judge pointed out that Preston had not disclosed to his doctor that he was actively viewing indecent images of children online, which was a matter of concern.

As a result of the proceedings, Preston was sentenced to eight months in a young offenders’ institution, though this sentence was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to be supervised by the probation service for the same period and required to participate in an internet sex offenders’ program. Additionally, Preston was mandated to register as a sex offender for ten years and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order.

Judge Harvey Clark concluded by expressing hope that the measures imposed would help Preston change his attitudes and prevent future offending, stating, “I hope that as a result of today and the orders that I have just made you will be able to change your attitudes.”