LEE DOWNIE FROM SOUTHSEA CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND GIRLS IN SWIMWEAR, JAILED FOR FLAGRANT BREACHES

In April 2023, a disturbing case involving Lee Downie, a resident of Southsea, has come to light, highlighting a series of serious breaches of court orders and possession of illicit images involving minors. Downie, a man who has previously been convicted of voyeurism, was found guilty of multiple violations that have shocked the local community and prompted a stern judicial response.

Downie, aged 39 and residing on Shaftesbury Road in Southsea, was subjected to a surprise police visit on December 23, which uncovered a troubling collection of digital devices and images. During this operation, officers discovered three mobile phones, two tablets, and three external hard drives at his residence. Additionally, it was revealed that Downie had failed to register three bank cards with the authorities, a requirement for sex offenders under the law.

When questioned about the devices, Downie claimed he had lost his phone and had only recently found a new one. He told officers, “sort of…I found it,” attempting to explain the presence of the device. However, police found his explanation unconvincing, as the phone was recovered on the same day, contradicting his statement. Prosecutor Martyn Booth highlighted that the suggestion he had merely found the phone was “patently untrue,” emphasizing that Downie had not notified authorities about the device, which was a clear breach of his legal obligations.

Further inspection of the devices revealed highly disturbing content. Among the images was a photograph of a naked 15-year-old girl, along with numerous pictures of young girls in swimwear. These images, coupled with the other evidence, painted a disturbing picture of Downie’s activities and intentions.

The court was told that Downie’s breaches were “absolutely flagrant,” with the judge condemning his evasiveness and dishonesty during the investigation. The judge stated, “The discoveries do not put you in a good light. You were evasive and that’s putting it mildly. You did not tell the truth to police, and as they went through your property, more and more came to light. The breaches were deliberate, persistent, and in some cases extensive.”

Previously, in March 2015, Downie had been convicted of voyeurism and received a suspended prison sentence. At that time, he was found guilty of installing equipment in a victim’s home to secretly observe a private act on November 13 of the previous year. The magistrates sentenced him to 150 days in jail, suspended for a year, and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £80 along with costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. Additionally, he was given a notification order lasting seven years, requiring him to register as a sex offender and comply with related restrictions.

Now, in the latest case, Downie was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his “deliberate” and “extensive” breaches of court orders and possession of illicit images. The judge described his actions as a serious violation of legal and moral boundaries, emphasizing the need for a strong custodial sentence to protect the community and uphold justice.