JONATHON NEATE FROM NAILSWORTH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN GLOUCESTER

In June 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Jonathon Neate, a 37-year-old resident of Nailsworth, who was found to have downloaded and possessed some of the most heinous indecent images of children ever seen by a judge. The case was heard at Gloucester Crown Court, where the severity of the material was described as deeply shocking and disturbing.

Neate, employed at a local tyre company in Stroud, admitted to three separate charges of creating and possessing over 400 indecent images of minors, some of which depicted infants. The offences spanned from June 2019 to May 2020, highlighting a prolonged period of illicit activity. Prosecutor Ian Fenny detailed that among the images, some showed penetrative sexual acts, which added to the gravity of the case.

During the proceedings, Judge Ian Lawrie QC expressed his profound disgust at the material, stating, "The images are appalling. Some of this material is the worst I have seen, or at least read about." The judge emphasized that by viewing such depraved content, Neate had contributed to the suffering and misery inflicted upon the young victims depicted in the images, acknowledging the profound harm caused by his actions.

The investigation into Neate’s activities was initiated after police were alerted to his offending through a New Zealand-based 'cloud system' investigation. Authorities visited Neate’s workplace in Stroud, where they seized electronic devices including phones and computers. The evidence collected revealed that Neate had accessed and downloaded the illicit material after engaging in chat rooms with others, with search requests and terms on his devices indicating a deliberate pursuit of such content.

Neate’s defense team claimed that he had received significant support from his family, including his new partner, who had acted as a supervisor when he had access to his son. They described his family as being very supportive during this difficult time.

In sentencing, Judge Lawrie imposed a 16-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, Neate was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, pay costs amounting to £1,000, and a surcharge of £140. The court also mandated that he participate in forty sessions of an accredited sex offender treatment program and undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activities.

Furthermore, Neate was placed on the sex offender register for five years and subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order. He was instructed to return to court on September 10 for a judicial review to assess his progress in complying with the court’s orders, underscoring the ongoing monitoring of his rehabilitation efforts.