KEVIN BANNON FROM KIRKBY ESCAPES PRISON AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES IN LATEST CRIME SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Kirkby, Kevin Bannon, a 32-year-old former Royal Navy serviceman, was found guilty of possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography but was ultimately spared a prison sentence. Bannon, who served in the Armed Forces for 11 years, faced serious allegations after police raids uncovered disturbing material stored on his personal devices.

On March 12, 2010, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Bannon’s residence on Roughwood Drive in Kirkby. During the raid, officers discovered a total of 64 illicit images spread across two laptops. The images included highly disturbing content involving minors and extreme pornography, which prompted immediate concern and investigation.

In subsequent interviews, Bannon admitted to receiving the images via email, acknowledging that he had been sent the material. He did not deny the possession of the images but explained his involvement as receiving the content through electronic communication. His admissions led to charges of possessing indecent images of children and two counts of extreme pornography.

During the court proceedings, Judge David Boulton reviewed the case and the evidence presented. Recognizing the severity of the offenses but also considering Bannon’s background and circumstances, the judge decided against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, Bannon was given a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period.

Furthermore, Bannon was ordered to comply with a series of strict conditions aimed at preventing future offenses. He was required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and was subjected to a sexual offenders’ prevention order. This order restricts his access to the internet and prohibits him from being in the company of minors indefinitely, aiming to mitigate any potential risk to the community.

The case has raised concerns about the presence of such disturbing material in the community and the effectiveness of the legal system in dealing with offenders. Despite the serious nature of the crimes, the court’s decision reflects a focus on rehabilitation alongside punishment, with Bannon now under close supervision to prevent any recurrence of his offending behavior.