SHOCKING CRIME BY ILMINGTON VICAR CHRISTOPHER GOBLE INVOLVING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN WARWICKSHIRE

In December 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Christopher Goble, a vicar from Ilmington, Warwickshire, who was found to have downloaded and possessed an alarming collection of child abuse images. The details of the case reveal a deeply troubling pattern of illegal activity that has shocked the local community and the wider public alike.

Goble, a man who once appeared on the BBC to deliver his 'thought for the day,' was arrested after police executed a search warrant at his residence on September 30. During the raid, authorities uncovered a horrifying stash of indecent images stored across multiple devices, including his phone and two laptops. The images included over 600 classified as 'category A,' representing the most severe and disturbing type of child abuse material. Some of these images depicted babies being subjected to horrific acts of sexual violence, a fact that underscores the gravity of his offenses.

The police investigation revealed that Goble had been actively searching for terms such as 'incest' and 'young children' on the internet, indicating a premeditated and sustained interest in illegal material over a period of approximately five years. The evidence also included extreme pornography involving women being penetrated by animals such as dogs and horses. Furthermore, investigators discovered messages in which Goble discussed abusing a child with another adult, highlighting the disturbing nature of his intentions and thoughts.

Goble, who is married and a father, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Warwick Crown Court. He admitted to making 627 'category A' indecent images of children between November 2014 and September 2019. In addition, he confessed to possessing 445 'category B' images and 629 'category C' images. The charges also included possession of six prohibited images depicting acts of penetrative sex and 17 extreme pornographic images, some of which showed oral sex with animals.

On Wednesday, Judge Sylvia de Bertodano sentenced Goble to 20 months in prison. The court also ordered that he register as a sex offender for ten years and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration. During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the seriousness of Goble's actions, stating, 'These are very serious offences. People sometimes think that because it’s just looking at pictures or movies that other people have made, you are not doing anything seriously wrong yourself. But that’s not the case. What you are looking at is pictures of real children being horrifically abused.'

Judge de Bertodano further highlighted the breach of trust involved, noting Goble's role as a respected community figure and a man of good character. She expressed her shock that someone in his position, a professional and moral authority, would commit such heinous acts against the most vulnerable members of society. The court was shown a letter from a parishioner who spoke highly of Goble, adding to the tragic contrast between his public persona and his private misconduct.

The investigation also uncovered that Goble had previously been photographed in 2015 giving his 'thought for the day' on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire. The police found the illegal material stored in hidden folders on his devices, including a secret gallery on his phone. When questioned, Goble initially claimed he had lost his phone two days prior, but officers found it in his trouser pocket, containing the hidden gallery with numerous indecent images of children, some depicting the most extreme forms of abuse.

Additional devices, including an HP and a Compaq laptop, were seized, and authorities confirmed that the majority of the images were still photographs, with some moving images. The content included images of anal penetration of children as young as one year old and other acts of sexual violence involving infants and young children. Police also found four iPhones and three computers that could not be accessed, which might contain further illegal material. All devices are subject to forfeiture and destruction.

Further evidence revealed that Goble had conducted internet searches for terms like 'incest' and 'young children,' and had engaged in explicit messaging with another adult, fantasizing about abusing children. Although the messaging described abuse of a child under six, no evidence was found to confirm that any acts had taken place. The case remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals in positions of trust who abuse their authority for criminal purposes.

In a related incident in November 2019, Goble admitted to downloading over 400 indecent images of children, including 112 in the 'most serious category.' The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Goble, then serving in south Warwickshire, had been suspended from his clerical duties immediately after being charged. The court heard that police executed a search warrant at his home on October 1, and a chat message was discovered in which Goble expressed a sexual interest in children. It is understood that none of the victims were children from within his church or ministry.

The case continues to serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding and the devastating impact of such crimes. Authorities emphasize that viewing and possessing indecent images of children is a serious offense, and the CPS is committed to prosecuting offenders to protect vulnerable children and uphold justice.