MAN SENT ON SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT PROGRAMME
A 34-year-old man has been required to participate in a programme for sex offenders after being convicted of downloading images depicting child abuse.Lee Bennett, residing on Kinghurst Drive in Paignton, was discovered with numerous images of children on his mobile phone when police searched his residence in November 2020.
He initially denied having any sexual interest in children.
However, during his court appearance, he confessed to three charges related to creating or downloading indecent images.
Bennett was not sent to prison, as assessments indicated he was likely to benefit from rehabilitation.
He received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for this period, with the condition to complete the Horizon sex offender treatment programme.
Prosecutor Ms Felicity Payne stated that police found 13 images involving the most severe forms of child abuse on his device after executing the warrant.
Some of these children appeared to be as young as five or six years old.
Furthermore, Bennett’s internet search history indicated an interest in minors.
The offences took place over more than two years, added Ms Payne.
Defending, Ms Rachel Smith explained that Bennett initially viewed adult pornography.
His suspended sentence will last for 18 months, during which he must complete the treatment programme and undertake 30 days of rehabilitation with probation services.
Additionally, Bennett is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts his online activities.
