JAMES LAUNCE FROM BRIDGWATER AND LISKEARD CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bridgwater and Liskeard, James Launce, aged 34, has been found guilty of possessing and downloading indecent images of children. The case, which has garnered significant media attention, reveals a troubling pattern of behavior that spans several years and involves multiple locations.

Launce, a man with a history of previous convictions related to child exploitation, was initially sentenced in 2012 at Plymouth Crown Court to a suspended prison term after authorities uncovered thousands of child abuse images stored on his devices. This earlier conviction marked him as a repeat offender, raising concerns about his ongoing activities.

Recent court proceedings have shed further light on Launce’s continued involvement in the possession of such illicit material. It was revealed that he had been actively downloading more images of minors onto a laptop, which was later abandoned at a residence in Liskeard. The laptop was thoroughly examined by investigators, who confirmed that it contained indecent images at all levels of severity, according to the classification system used by authorities.

Further investigation uncovered that Launce had stored a memory stick containing child abuse images in a locked cabinet at his workplace. Witnesses reported seeing Launce attempting to hide this device, which was found to contain images classified in the lowest category of seriousness. The device was concealed within his workplace locker, indicating an attempt to hide his illicit activities from colleagues and authorities.

Launce’s criminal record includes multiple admissions of creating and possessing images and videos of minors, with offenses dating back to between 2010 and 2014. He admitted to 14 counts related to these offenses during a previous hearing, which involved locations in both Bridgwater and Liskeard.

During the court proceedings, his defense attorney, Rupert Taylor, emphasized Launce’s prior service as a petty officer in the Royal Navy and his current employment in a warehouse. Taylor urged the court to consider giving Launce another chance, acknowledging that his client accepted the unacceptable nature of his actions.

However, the judge, Simon Carr, was unequivocal in his condemnation. He sentenced Launce to 12 months in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. Judge Carr stated, “Those that download images of this sort, support and encourage the systematic abuse of children,” underscoring the serious implications of such crimes.

Judge Carr also pointed out that Launce had already been given opportunities for treatment and intervention, which he had failed to utilize effectively. The court’s decision reflects the ongoing concern about the potential harm caused by individuals involved in the distribution and possession of child abuse images, and the need to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.

In a related development earlier in September 2014, Launce’s continued offending was highlighted when it was revealed that he had downloaded additional indecent images despite being under a suspended sentence for a similar offense. His repeated violations demonstrate a troubling pattern of behavior that authorities are determined to address through strict legal action.

Launce, whose address was listed as Stawell, Bridgwater, was granted conditional bail pending sentencing scheduled for October 10. He is required to report to Bridgwater police station weekly and remains under close supervision as the legal process continues. The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat such heinous crimes.