KEITH VINCENT/JAMES ANDREW FROM DOWNTON JAILED FOR CHILD PORN OFFENCES IN SALISBURY

In a significant development in the fight against child exploitation, Keith Vincent, also known as James Andrew, a resident of Downton, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for serious child pornography offences. Vincent, aged 66, had been on the run for six years before his recent arrest, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down offenders who attempt to evade justice.

Vincent was added to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre’s Most Wanted list in February, 2010, after disappearing in 2004. His absence from the public eye and authorities for such an extended period raised concerns about his whereabouts and potential continued offending. The police finally apprehended him at Salisbury Police Station on August 24, 2010, bringing an end to his six-year period of evasion.

Following his arrest, Vincent faced multiple charges, including five counts of making indecent photographs, one count of possession of such material, and three counts of failing to comply with notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Register. These violations underscored the seriousness of his offences and his failure to adhere to the conditions imposed upon him as a registered sex offender.

He appeared before magistrates in Salisbury the day after his arrest, where he was remanded in custody. His sentencing took place on the following Thursday, resulting in a total sentence of 40 weeks, with nine months specifically attributed to his child pornography offences. This sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the legal system’s stance on such violations.

Vincent’s criminal history is notable; he previously served a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted in 1996 of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. The assaults involved violence, and at the time, police classified him as being in the “at very high risk” category for re-offending. His past convictions and the nature of his recent offences underscore the persistent danger posed by individuals with a history of sexual violence.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Rowles from the Wiltshire Police public protection department emphasized the importance of managing sex offenders appropriately. He stated, “Appropriate management of sex offenders is vital for the ongoing protection of society.” He also highlighted the high compliance rate among registered offenders in Wiltshire, noting that 97 percent adhere to their conditions and do not abscond. However, he acknowledged that rare cases like Vincent’s do occur, and in such instances, Wiltshire Police, in collaboration with CEOP and other partner agencies, works tirelessly to locate and apprehend offenders, even if they have traveled abroad. This case exemplifies the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities from individuals who pose a significant risk to children and society at large.