JOHN BURROUGHS FROM WHITLEIGH ESCAPES PRISON AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN PLYMOUTH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Whitleigh, John Burroughs, a man with a long-standing military background, faced serious allegations related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The incident came to light after police conducted a raid on his residence in Plymouth, specifically targeting his home in Whitleigh, on the morning of March 22 of the previous year.

According to the prosecution, Christopher Bennett, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, outlined that Burroughs, aged 52, had admitted to eight counts of making indecent images of children and two counts of possessing extreme adult pornography. The police action was prompted by suspicions that led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, including a computer tower, CDs, and a laptop, all of which were found at Burroughs' residence.

The evidence collected was extensive. The laptop contained 28 folders, each named individually, while the computer had a folder labeled 'YG' indicating 'Young Girls.' The digital files included a total of 1,576 still images and one video classified at the lowest level of severity, with additional files categorized into higher levels of severity. Specifically, there were 52 still images and three movies at level two, 143 stills and one movie at level three, 196 stills and 17 movies at level four, and seven still images along with one movie at the most extreme level, level five. The classification levels range from one, indicating the least serious content, to five, representing the most extreme material.

Burroughs also possessed two video files containing extreme adult pornography. During police interviews, he claimed that both computers belonged to him and that he was the sole user of the laptop. He explained that his initial internet searches involved innocent research, which gradually led him to adult content. He admitted that this caused difficulties in his marriage. Furthermore, he revealed that he began receiving child pornography, which he stored on CDs once his computer memory was full. Burroughs stated that he started searching for images of naked children out of curiosity, asserting that he was not sexually interested in children.

Legal representatives for Burroughs, including Ali Rafati, acknowledged the severity of the offences, describing them as 'vile,' but emphasized that there was no physical contact involved. Rafati highlighted that Burroughs, who recently concluded a 31-year career in the Royal Navy, was a hard-working, level-headed individual who had been well-regarded by colleagues, friends, and family. He noted that Burroughs had no prior criminal record and that his life as he knew it was effectively over.

Judge Paul Darlow addressed the court, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the images and videos, which depicted children ranging from very young to early teenagers. The judge remarked on the profound misery, corruption, and theft of childhood experienced by the victims, which is perpetuated solely for the sexual gratification of viewers. In sentencing, Burroughs was given a sentence of eight months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in an internet sex offender treatment program, remain on the Sex Offenders' Register until further notice, and be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Burroughs is currently residing at Lancaster Gardens, Plymouth, and will be monitored closely as part of his ongoing supervision.