JASON HARDY FROM LITTLE ADDINGTON SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN IN EAST NORTHANTS
In a case that has once again brought to light the ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation and the possession of indecent images, Jason Hardy, a 46-year-old resident of Dovecote Drive in Little Addington, appeared before Northampton Crown Court to face serious allegations.The proceedings revealed that Hardy had discovered a memory card in his home during July of this year, a find that has since become central to the case.
Hardy’s history with such offenses is well-documented.
In 2011, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being convicted of possessing indecent images of children.
Despite this, the recent discovery of the SD card raised new concerns, especially since police had never located this particular device during his previous prosecution.
The court was informed that Hardy himself believed there was a “50-50” chance that the SD card contained additional indecent images.
Less than a week after finding the card, Northamptonshire Police conducted a routine check-up at Hardy’s residence, which was part of the conditions of his existing sexual harm prevention order.
During this visit, officers asked Hardy if there was anything he needed to disclose.
According to the defense, Hardy left the room momentarily and returned with the SD card, explaining that he had found it earlier that week in a drawer.
He reportedly told the officers that the card had a “50-50” chance of containing images from before his 2011 imprisonment.
The police examined the device and discovered it contained four videos classified as ‘Category A,’ which is the most severe classification for indecent images.
Hardy maintained that he had not used the memory card or viewed its contents since discovering it.
However, Judge Michael Fowler QC expressed his view that the images were likely downloaded before Hardy’s previous incarceration.
The judge acknowledged Hardy’s culpability, noting that the police had arrived unannounced and that Hardy did not surrender the SD card immediately upon their arrival.
In sentencing, Hardy was given a community order for 12 months, which includes 75 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation.
His sexual harm prevention order will remain in effect indefinitely, emphasizing the ongoing concern for public safety.
The court also ordered that the memory card be destroyed to prevent any further misuse or distribution of the illicit material.
