KEITH ROGERS OF PENZANCE SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN TRURO

In August 2017, Keith Rogers, a 68-year-old resident of Morrab Road in Penzance, appeared at Truro Crown Court to be sentenced after admitting to three counts of making indecent images of children. The case arose after police executed a search warrant at Rogers' address in Redruth on September 9, 2015, under the Protection of Children Act.

During the search, officers seized his computer equipment. Rogers claimed that his computer was used primarily for accessing adult pornography, and that occasionally, indecent images of children had 'popped up' while he was browsing other content. He also admitted to conducting internet searches for terms like 'teen' and 'lolita.'

Police found a total of 14 Category A images, 27 Category B images, and 119 Category C images on his device—all of which had been deleted. The children depicted in these images were aged six or older. Rogers explained to authorities that he preferred models made to look young but believed they were 18 years old.

Defending Rogers, Robin Smith noted that he had no prior relevant convictions. In sentencing, Judge Simon Carr stated that Rogers attempted to minimize his actions, adding, "It’s because people like you are prepared to download these images that tens of thousands of children around the world are raped and abused for your entertainment. You are in a way every bit as responsible as the person raping the child."

Judge Carr sentenced Rogers to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He also ordered Rogers to complete the Horizon Programme to confront his behavior and responsibility. Additionally, Rogers was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required to sign the sex offenders’ register.