SAMUEL AND JAMIE BOYES FROM SAMLESBURY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN PRESTON

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Preston, two brothers from Samlesbury, Jamie and Samuel Boyes, found themselves at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The case, which was heard at Preston Crown Court, revealed that both siblings had been involved in the illicit activity independently, yet their actions collectively contributed to a significant concern over child exploitation and abuse.

On February 14 of the previous year, law enforcement officers executed an early morning raid at the Boyes family residence located on Greenend in Samlesbury, a village near Preston. The operation was initiated after authorities received intelligence indicating the presence of illegal material on the premises. During the raid, officers discovered Jamie Boyes, aged 26, at the family home. He was taken into custody and transported to the police station for further questioning.

However, the situation took an unusual turn when Samuel Boyes, aged 19, approached police officers after his brother's arrest. He immediately identified himself by stating, “That’s my email address,” suggesting a direct link to the illegal activity. It was subsequently revealed that both brothers had been independently downloading indecent images of children, with their combined collection totaling approximately 1,300 images. This discovery underscored the disturbing extent of their involvement in such criminal behavior, despite their lack of awareness of each other's actions.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Hanifa Patel detailed the circumstances of the case. She explained that officers had entered the Boyes residence and followed Jamie to an area beyond the kitchen, where they observed a desk with a computer. The officer described how Jamie appeared to be attempting to close the computer when approached and instructed to step away and move to another room. Further investigation revealed that Samuel had been accessing a website since 2017, where he had deliberately searched for terms like ‘paedos’ to find links to indecent images of children. His admission highlighted a premeditated intent to view such material over an extended period.

Judge Recorder Murray addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses. He acknowledged that while the cases of Jamie and Samuel were “separate and distinct,” they both involved abhorrent criminal conduct. The judge underscored the importance of the court’s role in preventing such exploitation, stating, “This area of criminal law is abhorrent to all right-thinking people and the courts do what they can to prevent people like you from encouraging others to exploit children.”

In terms of sentencing, Jamie Boyes pleaded guilty to possessing 704 prohibited images, including extreme pornographic images involving animals. He was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes a 40-day rehabilitation activity to address his behavior. Samuel Boyes admitted to multiple charges, including distributing an indecent photograph, possessing prohibited images, possessing extreme porn involving animals, and making indecent photographs—specifically, 14 at Category A, 19 at Category B, and 365 at Category C. His sentence was a three-year community order, complemented by 120 hours of unpaid work.

Both brothers were also subject to three-year sexual harm prevention orders, designed to restrict their access to material and prevent further offenses. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from harm, especially in communities like Samlesbury where such disturbing activities have been uncovered.