KEVIN WALLIS FROM LECHLADE JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND VIDEOS IN SWINDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Lechlade, Kevin Wallis, a retired computer programmer, has been sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of possessing a vast collection of child abuse images and videos. The incident came to light in March 2011 when Wallis, aged 61, was arrested following a police investigation into his online activities.

Wallis, who resided on Bell Lane in Lechlade, had meticulously catalogued and stored over 13,000 indecent images and movies depicting children engaged in sexual activities. The police, acting on information provided by his wife, conducted a search of his home and seized his computer equipment, including hard drives and memory sticks. The authorities discovered that the collection included 5,039 unique images and 110 videos, many of which fell into the most severe categories of abuse. Some of the children depicted were as young as six months old, and others appeared to be distressed, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Wallis had not only accumulated this material but also engaged in writing fantasy stories centered around child abuse. Furthermore, he had been in contact with other individuals online who shared similar disturbing interests. His actions raised serious concerns about his understanding of the gravity of his offenses.

Wallis was initially released on bail after his arrest, but his wife’s subsequent report to the police led to further scrutiny. Prosecutor Tessa Hingston told Swindon Crown Court that Wallis appeared to lack remorse, believing that the children involved in the images might have been enjoying the abuse, which underscored his dangerous mindset.

In addition to the possession charges, Wallis pleaded guilty to 18 counts of making indecent images, one count of possessing extreme pornography, and one count of possessing indecent images of children. His defense argued that he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions and requested leniency, suggesting that he should be enrolled in a sex offenders’ treatment program. His lawyer, Con Fernandes, highlighted that Wallis had undergone a course with the Lucy Faithful Foundation and that he was dealing with health issues, including a triple heart bypass and medication that affected his sex life. It was also noted that his second marriage had ended.

However, Judge Euan Ambrose was unequivocal in his sentencing, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. He stated, “By the downloading and viewing of this material, you are encouraging a process that has at its heart a real child being abused and in many instances in a terrible way. The abuse these children experience is really unimaginable.”

As part of his punishment, Wallis was sentenced to a term of imprisonment and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his liberty and prevents him from working with children. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing further harm to vulnerable children.