JUSTIN ENDEAN FROM TRURO ESCAPES JAIL AFTER ILLEGAL IMAGES SCANDAL

In May 2016, a disturbing case involving Justin Endean, a resident of Rosedale Road in Truro, came to light when he was found in possession of a large collection of indecent images depicting young boys. The investigation revealed that Endean, who was unemployed at the time, had accumulated hundreds of such images on his electronic devices, including photographs and videos that ranged from less severe to the most serious categories, which involved children being subjected to sexual assault.

Police launched an operation targeting individuals involved in the distribution and possession of illegal DVDs containing indecent images. During this operation, authorities executed a search warrant at Endean’s residence on December 1, 2014. The search uncovered a disturbing collection of material stored on his devices. Among the items found under his bed was an indecent image of an underage boy, along with an additional 48 indecent still images of young boys. The police seized several digital devices, including a Toshiba laptop and three USB sticks, which were subsequently sent for forensic analysis to determine the extent of his illegal activities.

Following the search, Endean was taken to Newquay Police Station for questioning. During his interview, he admitted to viewing images online, claiming he believed the material was legitimate and not illegal. Prosecutor Heather Hope explained to the court that Endean made a full and frank admission, acknowledging that he had downloaded numerous images, some of which he admitted he laminated himself to keep for personal use in the future. He also confessed to purchasing DVDs containing indecent images of children, further implicating him in the possession and distribution of illegal material.

Judge Christopher Harvey Clark QC addressed the court, providing context about the timeline of Endean’s offending. The judge noted that the majority of Endean’s illegal activities took place between 2009 and 2010. Despite the serious nature of the crimes, the judge decided to suspend Endean’s prison sentence, citing his full cooperation and honesty during the proceedings. The judge emphasized that Endean had openly discussed his sexual attraction to boys aged between 10 and 15, which he found sexually arousing, and acknowledged that talking about these issues appeared to have provided some relief for him.

Judge Clark warned Endean that possessing such images is illegal and that his actions had serious consequences. As part of his sentence, Endean received an eight-month prison term, suspended for one year, along with a 12-month supervision order. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed for ten years, requiring Endean to only access the internet under monitored conditions, with his search history available for police review. He is also mandated to register as a sex offender for ten years. The court ordered the destruction of his electronic devices, including his Toshiba laptop and USB sticks, to prevent further misuse.

Overall, the case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of illegal images of minors, and the legal repercussions faced by individuals involved in such activities, even when sentences are suspended due to cooperation and remorse.