CHARLES GREENE FROM BUSHEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN ST ALBANS

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bushey, Charles Greene, a 58-year-old resident of Chestnut Rise, was found to be in possession of a significant collection of illegal images depicting children. The incident came to light when Greene was arrested at his home on the morning of September 22, 2010, by authorities investigating the possession and distribution of child exploitation material.

During the arrest, Greene reportedly confided in his wife, revealing the gravity of his actions by saying, “I have been arrested for downloading images of children.” This confession was made as police officers were taking him into custody, marking a pivotal moment in the case.

An examination of Greene’s computer revealed a disturbing cache of material—specifically, 3,747 images and several videos. While most of these images were classified as less severe, investigators identified 17 images that fell into the most serious category of child sexual abuse material. The discovery underscored the severity of Greene’s offenses and the potential harm caused to victims depicted in these images.

Greene admitted to police that his motives were driven by curiosity, a justification that did little to mitigate the seriousness of his crimes. His plea of guilty led to a sentencing hearing at St Albans Crown Court, where Judge Stephen Gullick handed down a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. This means Greene will not serve time in prison unless he commits further offenses within the suspension period.

Judge Gullick acknowledged Greene’s lack of prior convictions and his decision to plead guilty at an early stage, stating, “You have no previous convictions and had the good sense to plead guilty at the magistrates’ court.” The judge also noted Greene’s apparent remorse, as reflected in the report he had reviewed.

However, the judge emphasized the broader implications of Greene’s actions, highlighting that victims are real individuals—young girls who have been exploited for the purpose of creating these illicit images. “There are victims in the sense that young girls are abused for the purpose of images being taken so that you and others can download them,” he said.

As part of his sentence, Greene is required to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment program under probation supervision. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender, pay costs amounting to £425, and adhere to strict conditions aimed at preventing future offenses. The court’s decision reflects a focus on rehabilitation and public safety, seeking to address the underlying issues that led Greene to commit these crimes.