HARLOW MAN IAN JACKSON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DOWNLOADS IN CHELMSFORD

In December 2016, Ian Jackson, a former prominent figure in Harlow's local community, faced justice in Chelmsford Crown Court for serious offenses related to the possession of child abuse images and extreme pornography. Jackson, aged 64 and residing in Green Hills, Harlow, was convicted of multiple charges involving the illegal download and possession of indecent images of children and bestiality.

Between January 2012 and December 2015, Jackson downloaded a total of eight indecent images of children, comprising four of Category A and four of Category B. These images depicted children in explicit and abusive scenarios, contravening the provisions set out in the Protection of Children Act 1978. During the same period, authorities discovered that Jackson also possessed a staggering 110 extreme pornographic images, which included material involving animals, in violation of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.

The police investigation culminated in a search of Jackson’s residence in December 2015, where the illicit images were found on his computer. Jackson’s background included volunteer work with Harlow Firebird Radio and Harlow Hospital Radio, roles that he was compelled to relinquish following his arrest and subsequent conviction.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Christopher Morgan addressed Jackson directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge stated, “You have pleaded guilty to two offences of making indecent images of children, four images of Category A and four of Category B. You also admitted possession of 110 images of extreme pornography. When interviewed about these, you chose to make no comment.”

He further remarked, “By viewing such images, you are perpetuating the abuse of children. The circulation of these pictures is increasing, and these are serious matters.” The court also imposed a sexual health prevention order on Jackson, which will remain in effect for ten years, aiming to prevent any future offenses.

During the proceedings, Rakesh Sharma, representing Jackson, highlighted his client’s character and circumstances. Sharma explained that Jackson, who had been a respected member of the community, had been forced to cease his volunteer activities. “This is a 64-year-old man of impeccable character who volunteers for Harlow Hospital Radio. He has had to give that up,” Sharma said. He also noted that Jackson had been suffering from depression, which can fluctuate over time, and that his wife and daughter continued to support him.

Sharma further pointed out that the images in question were downloaded some time ago, most recently over three and a half years prior to his arrest. He asserted that Jackson had deleted all the images from his system and had not engaged in similar behavior since then.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Jackson was ordered to pay £220 in court costs within six months. Following the sentencing, the NSPCC, a child abuse charity, issued a statement condemning Jackson’s actions. A spokesman emphasized the damaging impact of such images, stating, “Jackson’s vile internet searches resulted in him downloading pictures of the horrific abuse of children. Possessing images of child abuse is a crime that fuels a vile industry. Each of these images causes children untold physical and psychological harm that can persist into adulthood.”