CHRISTOPHER MCARTHUR FROM IVYBRIDGE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the community of Ivybridge, 21-year-old Christopher McArthur was found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children, yet he was spared a prison sentence after a judge's decision. The court heard that McArthur had been caught with an extensive collection of child pornography, which included hundreds of images and several videos, during a police raid at his residence on Dairy Lane in Ivybridge.

On August 12, 2008, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McArthur’s home, seizing a computer tower and a laptop. Subsequent investigations revealed that these devices contained a disturbing array of illicit material. The police identified 170 images classified as level one, indicating the least severe category, along with 65 images at level two, 23 at level three—including three movies—and 51 at level four, which also included four movies. The categorization from level one to level five reflects increasing severity, with level five representing the most serious offenses involving the most explicit and abusive content.

Further examination uncovered file references with disturbing titles such as 'Lolita,' 'Paedo,' and 'Pre-teen.' Both computers were equipped with file-sharing software, which enabled McArthur to distribute these images to other individuals involved in similar illegal activities. During police interviews, McArthur admitted to viewing images across all four levels, revealing a troubling pattern of behavior. He also disclosed that he had been involved with another male but claimed that his interest in the images was a personal development rather than related to his previous associations.

Prosecutor Alistair Veheijen highlighted that McArthur had no prior convictions but had previously been cautioned for aiding and abetting a breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This earlier caution involved facilitating contact between a man and a 15-year-old girl, indicating a history of concerning behavior.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Francis Gilbert QC addressed McArthur directly, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. Typically, such crimes would warrant a custodial sentence, but after considering recommendations from the Probation Service, the judge opted for a different approach. He warned McArthur to stay clear of trouble and avoid any further involvement in such activities.

In his remarks, Judge Gilbert underscored the cruelty and sexual abuse involved in the images, stating, “If you get married and have children one day, you would be pretty upset if anyone did the sort of things to them that you were looking at for your own sexual gratification.”

As a result, McArthur was sentenced to a three-year community order. He was also ordered to participate in the Sex Offenders Treatment Programme, which the judge believed would aid in his rehabilitation. Additionally, McArthur was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was required to register as a sex offender for five years, with both measures aimed at protecting the community and monitoring his conduct moving forward.