IAN CANT FROM BASINGSTOKE JAILED FOR HORRIFIC ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND FOWL VIDEOS

In August 2016, Ian Cant, a 28-year-old software engineer from Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, was sentenced to two years in prison after a series of disturbing crimes involving online exploitation and possession of indecent images of children. The case revealed a troubling pattern of behavior that included not only online chats with minors but also the possession of highly disturbing and extreme pornographic material.

Police raids conducted at Cant's residence in Kingston in July 2015 uncovered hundreds of indecent images depicting children as young as two years old being sexually abused by adult men. These images were classified as some of the most heinous and extreme material, reflecting a disturbing level of depravity. Cant was charged with 16 counts of possessing indecent images of children, attempting to incite or engage a child in sexual activity, and owning extreme pornography. During court proceedings last month, he admitted to all charges.

Despite his criminal activities, it was noted that Cant had recently become engaged and had participated in charitable activities, such as running the Great South Run to support the NSPCC, a children’s charity. However, these positive aspects did little to mitigate the severity of his offenses.

Prosecutor Hamish Reid detailed the nature of Cant’s online interactions, revealing that he had initiated conversations with a 13-year-old girl. During these exchanges, Cant explicitly asked her to drink her own urine, asking, “What is your age? You home alone? Now do you want to take part in some sick experiments?” These messages demonstrated a clear intent to exploit and harm the young girl.

Defense lawyer Martin Ingle argued that Cant had not disclosed his criminal charges to his employer and suggested that his troubled upbringing played a role in his behavior. He described Cant’s mother as an alcoholic who died in a house fire, claiming she was incapable of caring for herself or her son, which he implied contributed to his psychological state.

Judge Peter Lodder QC, presiding over the case, described the images found at Cant’s residence as “particularly foul” and emphasized the distress caused to the victims depicted in the material. He remarked, “It doesn’t bear thinking about the distress that girl must have been going through. If there was not a market for it, children of this age would be far less likely to endure such revolting abuse.” The judge acknowledged Cant’s difficult background but stated that a suspended sentence would not be appropriate given the gravity of his crimes.

As a result, Ian Cant was sentenced to two years in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years, marking a significant step in addressing the serious offenses committed by the individual from Basingstoke.