LEE IRWIN FROM PORTSMOUTH AND YAPTON CAUGHT WITH SERIOUS CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In December 2017, authorities revealed that Lee Irwin, a man residing in Portsmouth and Yapton, was found to possess a disturbing collection of child abuse images on his electronic devices. The investigation began when police officers executed a search warrant at Irwin's residence in Portsmouth on November 20, 2016. During the search, they uncovered a troubling cache of digital material that included a total of 37 images and videos depicting the abuse of children.

The court proceedings, held at Portsmouth Crown Court, detailed that among the discovered content, 20 items were classified at the most severe level of depravity. The children depicted in these images were estimated to be between nine and eleven years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material Irwin had accessed and stored.

Lee Irwin, aged 28 and living on Foundry Road in Yapton, West Sussex, faced charges related to the possession of indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty to three counts concerning the possession of such illicit material. The court heard that Irwin's actions involved viewing these images over extended periods, which was described as 'considerably degrading' by the presiding judge.

Judge David Melville QC sentenced Irwin to a one-year prison term, but this was suspended for two years. As part of his sentence, Irwin was ordered to participate in a sex offender treatment programme and complete 15 days of rehabilitation activities. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences, stating, 'These are seriously degrading offences.'

Judge Melville also expressed his concern over the nature of Irwin's viewing habits, describing them as 'appalling.' Despite the severity of the case, it was noted that Irwin had no prior criminal record and was forthcoming and honest with probation officers during the investigation. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child abuse images, and the importance of holding offenders accountable for such heinous crimes.