GARRY SPOONCER FROM BOURNE ESCAPES IMMEDIATE JAIL AFTER DOWNLOAD OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES IN LINCOLN

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bourne, Lincolnshire, Garry Spooncer, a 50-year-old resident of Alexandra Terrace, was found to have downloaded a significant number of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in August 2016 when police executed a raid on his home, seizing his computer equipment as part of their investigation.

During the subsequent court proceedings at Lincoln Crown Court, prosecutor Katrina Wilson revealed that authorities discovered approximately 1,800 illegal images stored on a memory stick belonging to Spooncer. Among these images, 147 were classified in the most severe category, depicting children being subjected to sexual abuse. This evidence underscored the gravity of the offense and the disturbing nature of the material involved.

Garry Spooncer faced charges related to the possession and making of indecent images of children, with the court hearing that he had committed these acts between February 24, 2015, and August 23, 2016. He pleaded guilty to three charges concerning the creation and possession of such images. It was also noted that although he had no prior convictions, he had previously been cautioned by police for a similar offense, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior.

Throughout the proceedings, Spooncer’s mental health was a significant factor. His legal representative, Claire Howell, explained that he was currently undergoing treatment for mental health issues, which prevented him from attending court in person. She detailed that Spooncer suffers from agoraphobia, panic disorder, and severe anxiety, conditions supported by psychiatric assessments. Howell emphasized that Spooncer’s life has been marked by loneliness and social isolation, which have contributed to his mental health struggles. She also mentioned that he is under regular care from mental health professionals, who are making progress in managing his conditions.

Given his mental health challenges, Spooncer was dealt with in his absence. The court sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order. The court also ordered that the computer equipment used to store the illegal images be forfeited and destroyed, ensuring that such material could not be accessed or circulated again.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, while also considering the mental health issues faced by offenders. The community of Bourne and the wider Lincolnshire area remain vigilant against such disturbing crimes, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children and supporting mental health treatment for offenders.