CHRISTOPHER GILLAND FROM RAF LAKENHEATH ESCAPES PAEDOPHILE LABEL DESPITE 1835 CHILD IMAGES FOUND

In October 2014, a significant case involving a resident of RAF Lakenheath drew considerable attention from the local community and law enforcement authorities. Christopher Gilland, aged 34 and residing on Walnut Close within the military base, was found to be in possession of an alarming collection of indecent images of children, totaling 1,835 photographs. This discovery was made during a police raid conducted on October 25 of the previous year, which was part of a broader, nationwide operation targeting individuals involved in the distribution and possession of such illicit material.

Following the search of Gilland’s residence, authorities seized his computers and storage devices for detailed examination. The forensic analysis revealed not only the vast number of indecent images but also uncovered 34 videos, some of which depicted extreme pornography, including content involving animals. The presence of such material raised serious concerns about the nature of Gilland’s activities and prompted a court hearing to determine appropriate legal action.

During police interviews, Gilland initially refused to answer questions regarding the images found on his devices. However, when questioned again in April of the same year, he claimed that his original intention was merely to download adult pornography. He further stated that he had planned to delete the child images, suggesting a possible attempt to conceal his activities. Prosecutor Russell Butcher highlighted that some of the children depicted in the images appeared to be as young as two or three years old, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the material.

Gilland faced multiple charges, including six counts of possession of indecent images of children, one count of possession of a prohibited image of a child, and two counts of possession of extreme pornography. He pleaded guilty to all nine charges, acknowledging his involvement in these offenses. The court was informed that Gilland had no prior criminal convictions, and most of the images found on his devices were classified at the lowest level of seriousness.

In mitigation, Hugh Rowland, representing Gilland, pointed out that his client was currently unemployed and emphasized that the majority of the images were of the least severe category. He also noted that Gilland had no previous criminal record, which was considered in the sentencing process.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge John Holt reviewed a report prepared by an expert, which concluded that Gilland was more of a voyeur rather than a paedophile. The judge also took into account a letter written by Gilland’s wife, who was present in the public gallery during the proceedings, expressing her support for him. Based on this evidence, Judge Holt decided to impose a two-year community order on Gilland. The order requires him to remain under supervision by the Probation Service for two years and to participate in an Internet Sex Offenders Programme.

Furthermore, the judge ordered the confiscation of all computers and storage devices involved in the case, ensuring that the illicit material could not be accessed or distributed further. Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Holt explicitly stated that he was satisfied Gilland was not a paedophile, which influenced the leniency of the sentence. The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the possession and distribution of child exploitation material, especially within communities associated with military installations such as RAF Lakenheath.