EDWIN WILSON FROM READING JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In November 2005, a teacher from Reading, Berkshire, named Edwin Wilson, was sentenced to nine months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. Wilson, aged 58 and residing in Upper Basildon near Reading, had previously worked at Highdown School, a mixed secondary school located in Emmer Green, Reading.

Wilson's arrest followed a police search of his residence, during which authorities confiscated a computer, two hard drives, and numerous CDs. These digital devices contained a staggering total of 18,307 indecent images of young girls, which Wilson had stored on his personal equipment. The court was informed that Wilson, who is married, had entered the teaching profession relatively late in his career, having previously been employed in the construction industry before transitioning into education.

During the court proceedings, Wilson admitted to six charges of making indecent images of children and six charges of possession. He claimed that his collection of over 18,000 images was for what he described as 'academic research,' specifically citing interests in sociological and psychological studies. However, the presiding judge, Mary-Jane Mowat of Reading Crown Court, was highly skeptical of these claims.

Judge Mowat described Wilson as 'deluded' and emphasized that his justification for possessing such material was entirely unconvincing. She stated that Wilson's assertions about collecting images for research purposes were 'wholly unrealistic' and reflected a significant level of self-delusion. The judge also pointed out that Wilson's explanations, which he provided to a probation officer, did not inspire confidence in his potential for rehabilitation.

Furthermore, Judge Mowat made it clear that Wilson's offences were too grave to warrant a delay for further investigations into his suitability for a treatment program. She ordered that Wilson must sign the sex offenders' register for a period of ten years upon his release from prison. Additionally, she barred him from subscribing to any internet service provider for five years to prevent further access to such material.

Prosecutor Alan Blake highlighted the severity of the case, noting the extensive digital evidence seized during the investigation. The court was told that Wilson's collection of images was vast and disturbing, and his claims of academic intent did little to mitigate the seriousness of his actions. The case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities in Reading and across Berkshire to combat child exploitation and the possession of illegal material.