WIDOWER CHRISTOPHER DRIVER SENTENCED IN ST ALBANS FOR CHILD INDECENCY OFFENCES

In March 2012, Christopher Driver, a 49-year-old widower from Tyttenhanger, St Albans, was sentenced after admitting to offenses related to indecent images of children.

When police arrived at Driver's home in Newfield Way, Tyttenhanger, to investigate suspected possession of indecent images, he acknowledged, "I know it’s something I shouldn’t do." Driver, who works as a project manager, explained, "I tried to stop but it’s a habit."

He appeared at St Albans Crown Court on a Wednesday to be sentenced for two counts of possessing indecent images of a child, along with 16 counts of creating such images.

Prosecutor Geoffrey Porter stated that on April 8 of the previous year, officers attended Driver’s residence, where they confiscated a laptop and other computer equipment. During his interview, Driver admitted that he was aroused by images of boys in early adolescence and had stored numerous still images and videos.

Police discovered a total of 2,283 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on his devices.

The court was informed that since his arrest, Driver had taken steps to address his issues and had become involved with his local church.

Judge Stephen Warner addressed Driver, saying, “The images involve the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable children. People like you who download this material provide a market.”

As part of his sentence, Driver was ordered to complete a 36-month community supervision order to facilitate treatment for his addiction. He is required to register with the sex offenders' register, is barred from working in any role that involves contact with children, and must adhere to a sexual offences prevention order for the next five years. Additionally, he was fined £242 to cover costs.