DAVID THORNE FROM HAVENSTREET SENTENCED IN ISLE OF WIGHT FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In September 2017, a significant case involving a pensioner from Havenstreet captured public attention on the Isle of Wight. David Kenneth Thorne, aged 70 and residing on Main Road in Havenstreet, faced serious criminal charges after authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images involving children on his personal computer.

Thorne appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on the 1st of September to answer charges related to the creation and possession of indecent photographs and pseudo-photographs of children. The case was brought to light following a police raid on his residence, which revealed a troubling assortment of illicit material stored on his computer and several discs.

During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered a total of 117 indecent images, categorized into different levels of severity. Specifically, there were 54 images classified as Category A, which include the most serious and explicit material, both still and moving images. Additionally, 45 images fell under Category B, and 14 images were classified as Category C, indicating varying degrees of severity and explicitness. These images were all made between August 31, 2011, and October 31, 2016, highlighting a prolonged period of possession.

In court, Thorne was found guilty of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child. The judge sentenced him to 12 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Alongside the suspended sentence, Thorne was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts his activities and contact with minors. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years and to complete 35 probation sessions aimed at monitoring and rehabilitating him.

Furthermore, Thorne was required to pay costs amounting to £450 as part of the court's ruling. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and it highlights the importance of judicial measures to prevent future offenses and protect vulnerable individuals.