DEREK FAIRHURST OF MARLOW ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN AYLESBURY

In a case that has shocked the community of Marlow, Derek Fairhurst, aged 41, was found guilty of possessing and downloading nearly 2,500 images of child pornography from the internet. Despite the severity of the charges, Fairhurst was spared imprisonment after a sentencing hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court last Friday.

Fairhurst, who resides on Mill Road in Marlow, admitted to 11 counts of creating indecent images of children during proceedings in February. The court was informed that he had accessed a total of 2,428 indecent images from various online sources, and had taken the additional step of printing out 400 of these images, which he kept stored in photo albums within his home.

The prosecution, led by Ffyon Reilly, detailed that police executed a search warrant at Fairhurst’s residence on November 27 of the previous year. During the search, authorities seized two computers and a metal box containing various materials related to the offences. The court was told that the majority of the images fell into the less serious categories of indecency, with only a small number classified as more severe.

In mitigation, Nicholas Syfrett explained that the offences occurred over a period from June to September 1999. He emphasized that Fairhurst’s arrest has caused him significant public shame and distress. Despite the charges, Syfrett noted that Fairhurst and his wife maintain a satisfactory relationship, although they are no longer living together. The defense attorney described Fairhurst as being “extremely remorseful and deeply ashamed” of his actions.

Judge Roger Connor, presiding over the case, addressed the court with a serious tone. He acknowledged the gravity of the offences but also considered the importance of rehabilitation. The judge stated, “I am faced with a fait accompli. Do I pass a sentence so as to mark the disapproval of society for this sort of behaviour, punishing you further and hopefully deterring others from similar activities, or do I make an order that will be intended to have a rehabilitative effect and minimize the risk of you behaving in a similar way in the future?”

After careful consideration, Judge Connor decided that a community rehabilitation order was the most appropriate course of action. This order, which will run concurrently across all counts, is designed to help Fairhurst address his behaviour and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Additionally, Fairhurst was ordered to pay £250 in prosecution costs and to register as a sex offender for a period of five years.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding online child exploitation and the importance of judicial measures aimed at both punishment and rehabilitation. The community of Marlow and the wider public are urged to remain vigilant and supportive of efforts to combat such heinous crimes.