GEORGE ROBERTSON FROM CHESTNUT CAUGHT WITH THOUSANDS OF CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES AND FILMS IN ST ALBANS

In September 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving George Robertson, a computer programmer from the Chestnut area of Cheshunt, who was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images and videos depicting children. The authorities uncovered a vast cache of illegal material stored on his personal devices, raising serious concerns about his activities and the potential risk posed to minors.

On October 22 of the previous year, police officers executed a search warrant at Robertson's residence while he, along with his mother and younger sister, was present in the home. Despite Robertson's claims of innocence, asserting that he had not intentionally accessed or sought out such material, the police discovered evidence to the contrary during their investigation. When they examined his Apple computer and Seagate hard drive in detail, they found a staggering total of 18,455 indecent images, categorized into different levels of severity. Specifically, 810 images and 238 videos were classified as Category A, indicating the most serious content involving child exploitation. Additionally, there were 519 images and 17 videos at Category B, and a significant number—17,126 images and 19 videos—at Category C, which is considered the lowest level of severity.

The police also uncovered 328 movies, with 238 at Category A, 17 at B, and 19 at C. Further examination revealed 236 images and 36 movies depicting extreme pornography, including scenes of bestiality. The investigation also uncovered 1,154 cartoon images and 29 animated films that depicted child sexual abuse, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material Robertson had stored.

During police interviews, Robertson claimed that he 'stumbled across' the child abuse images and movies, asserting that he had never deliberately sought them out. He explained that his use of certain search terms, driven by boredom and curiosity, inadvertently led him to these illegal images. Despite his assertions, the evidence found on his devices painted a different picture of deliberate possession.

Previously residing on Lavender Close in Cheshunt, Robertson, aged 26 at the time, pleaded guilty to 12 charges related to possessing indecent images and movies of children. It was noted that he was of previously good character, which may have influenced the court's decision.

In his defense, Patrick Harte argued that Robertson had moved to London to live with an aunt in an effort to distance himself from the embarrassment caused by his arrest. At the time of sentencing, Robertson was receiving Job Seeker's Allowance and was attempting to establish a career as a web designer.

Judge Stephen Gullick sentenced Robertson to a 12-month community order, with the condition that he undergoes one-to-one supervision with a probation officer. The judge sternly warned him, stating, 'You know perfectly well you shouldn’t have this stuff. Next time you will end up in prison. Hopefully the probation officer will be putting you on the straight and narrow. Next time you will be off to Bedford.'

Furthermore, Robertson was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years and comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order includes provisions allowing police to examine his browsing history to monitor for any further illegal activity. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his computer and hard drive, removing the illegal material from his possession.

Earlier in August 2014, Robertson had admitted to making and possessing indecent images of children, along with possessing a total of 18,455 images and 328 films. He also confessed to possessing 236 images and 36 films depicting sexual acts with animals, as well as 1,154 prohibited images and 29 prohibited films. Following these admissions, Robertson was committed to St Albans Crown Court for sentencing, with restrictions placed on his internet use and contact with minors under 16, pending the final judgment.