KELVIN MERRITT FROM CHESTERTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES NEAR BICESTER PRIMARY SCHOOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Kelvin Merritt, a resident of Chesterton, near Bicester, has been convicted of possessing and sharing a significant collection of indecent images of children. Merritt, who previously served time for similar offenses, has now been released from prison and is currently residing in Southwold, Bicester, in a house located directly opposite a local primary school, raising concerns among parents and residents alike.

His criminal history and recent activities have once again brought to light the ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation and the dangers posed by individuals with a history of such offenses. Merritt, aged 58, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court after a police raid uncovered a cache of illicit material stored on his electronic devices.

On the day of the raid, which took place on September 10 of the previous year, law enforcement officers seized two laptops and a desktop computer from Merritt’s residence. An extensive investigation revealed that these devices contained a total of 1,840 images, including 83 videos depicting the most severe forms of abuse. Prosecutors highlighted that 392 of these images were classified at levels four and five, indicating the most serious and disturbing content, and that 92 images had been shared over the internet, facilitating the distribution of such material.

The victims depicted in these images ranged from infants and young children up to 13 years old, with the majority being young girls. The graphic nature of the material underscores the gravity of Merritt’s offenses and the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in the production and dissemination of child abuse imagery.

During the court proceedings, Merritt admitted to three counts of downloading indecent images and one count of distributing them. His defense attorney, Kate O’Raghallaigh, described him as a hardworking man who had been married for 24 years and was a father and grandfather. She explained that Merritt had worked for BMW as a production worker for 37 years, often working shifts that left him home alone for extended periods, which she suggested may have contributed to his offending behavior.

Judge Simon Blackford, presiding over the case, condemned Merritt’s actions, emphasizing that individuals like him contribute to the demand for such exploitative images. Merritt was sentenced to 21 months in prison, fined £5,000, ordered to pay £400 in costs, and a £15 victims’ surcharge. Additionally, he was placed under an indefinite sex offenders’ prevention order, restricting his future activities and contact with minors.

It was revealed during the trial that Merritt had been viewing such material for a decade and had used Skype to communicate with other individuals involved in similar offenses. His case has reignited concerns about the safety of children in the vicinity of his current residence, especially given its proximity to a primary school, prompting calls for increased vigilance and community awareness to protect vulnerable children from potential harm.