DONALD WEBBER'S SHOCKING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN HAILSHAM AND KEMSING

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Hailsham and Kemsing, Donald Webber, a 73-year-old grandfather of eight, has admitted to the possession and downloading of over 2,000 indecent images of children. The disturbing revelation came to light during a court hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court last Wednesday, where Webber pleaded guilty to eleven charges related to the creation, possession, and distribution of child pornography.

According to court records, Webber, who was formerly residing in Kemsing but is currently living in Hailsham, had engaged in the systematic collection of these illicit images. His actions included copying, downloading, and printing photographs that ranged across all five levels of severity defined for child pornography offenses. Notably, seven of the images he possessed were classified at Level 5, indicating the most extreme and disturbing form of such material.

The police investigation was initiated in July when authorities conducted a search of Webber’s residence and seized his computer. The evidence uncovered revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, with Webber having amassed a significant collection of illegal images. Despite the severity of the charges, Webber’s defense attorney, Andy Horsman, described his client as a man of previously impeccable character. Horsman emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest Webber had engaged in any activity beyond viewing and copying images online, asserting that he had not committed any acts of physical abuse or contact with children.

During the court proceedings, Webber’s case was referred to Maidstone Crown Court for sentencing. The magistrates also considered the restrictions placed on Webber’s bail, which prohibited him from having contact with any child under the age of 16 and from possessing or using devices capable of internet access. Horsman requested that these restrictions be lifted, arguing that they had severely impacted Webber’s personal life, preventing him from seeing his children and grandchildren over the Christmas period. He also expressed concern that Webber might be unable to attend his son’s father-in-law’s funeral due to the presence of children at the event.

Horsman further stated that his client was extremely unlikely to reoffend, citing his age as a mitigating factor. The defense attorney also mentioned that Webber’s family was supportive of his efforts to have the restrictions eased, highlighting the importance of family connections and the potential for rehabilitation. The case continues to be closely watched, with the community awaiting further developments as Webber faces sentencing in Maidstone Crown Court.