COLIN SHARP CHILD PORN PERVERT FROM CANFORD HEATH SENTENCED IN BOURNEMOUTH
In a decisive move against the global scourge of online child exploitation, a judge has handed down a significant sentence to Colin Sharp, a resident of Canford Heath, after he was found guilty of possessing a vast collection of illegal images depicting children.The case, which drew considerable attention from law enforcement and the public alike, underscores the ongoing battle to combat the proliferation of such heinous material on the internet.
In March 2004, Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Sharp, aged 46, admitted to 17 counts of possessing indecent photographs of children.
These images included some of the most disturbing and graphic content, with some children as young as three years old.
The court was also informed that Sharp had committed approximately 1,220 similar offences over a period spanning from October 31, 1999, to August 20, 2002, highlighting a pattern of disturbing behavior over several years.
The police investigation was initiated when officers raided Sharp’s residence in Godmanston Close, Canford Heath, on December 9, 2002.
During the search, they confiscated his computer equipment, which became the focal point of the case.
Prosecutor Tim Bradbury recounted that later that day, Sharp admitted to having viewed various websites out of curiosity and to have downloaded numerous pornographic images of children.
He acknowledged that he had stored these images onto disks, which were later examined by authorities.
The analysis of the disks revealed an alarming collection of approximately 2,440 images, of which 1,237 were classified as indecent images of children.
The court was told that a significant portion of these images, around 60 percent, fell into the most severe category, level four, depicting sexual acts involving children and adults.
Only about five percent of the images were considered to be of the least serious category, level one.
These findings painted a disturbing picture of the extent and severity of Sharp’s possession of illegal material.
During the proceedings, Sharp’s defense attorney, Paul Hester, argued that his client’s involvement was limited to downloading the material for personal use.
Hester emphasized that Sharp’s storage methods were basic but secure, and that he had come to understand the gravity of his actions.
The defense also highlighted Sharp’s previously good character and his otherwise industrious life, suggesting that he was a man who had been overwhelmed by circumstances.
Judge Roger Jarvis, delivering the sentence, expressed his strong condemnation of Sharp’s actions.
He sentenced him to 12 months in prison, stating, “Over the world, young children are being abused and their images are being disseminated on the internet for the gratification of people like you.
The more individuals involved in this disgusting trade, the more children are victimized and exploited.” The judge described the images found on Sharp’s computer as “the most distressing, disgusting pictures,” particularly emphasizing the severity of the level four images.
Upon release from prison, Sharp, who lives alone, will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, a measure aimed at monitoring and preventing further offenses.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks of online child exploitation and to bring offenders to justice.
It also highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for continued public awareness in combating this heinous crime.
