MARK SUTTON FROM GREENHITHE JAILED FOR DOWNLOAD OF DISTURBING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN MAIDSTONE

In March 2008, a man from Greenhithe named Mark Sutton was sentenced to a four-month prison term after being found guilty of possessing and downloading highly disturbing indecent images of children. Sutton, aged 36 and unemployed at the time, resided on Chalice Way in Greenhithe. He faced a total of 11 charges related to the creation and possession of indecent photographs of minors.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Sutton maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. Despite this, a jury convicted him on eight counts, which involved a total of 82 indecent images. The evidence presented in court revealed the disturbing nature of the material he had downloaded, which was described as 'disgusting' and 'despicable' by the presiding judge.

Judge Stanley Spence, delivering the sentence on March 3, expressed his strong condemnation of Sutton's actions. He stated, "What you did was to download despicable, disgraceful pictures, depicting children in sexual attitudes. They are truly disgusting." The judge emphasized the severity of the offense and the impact such material has on victims and society as a whole.

As part of his sentence, Sutton was prohibited from owning or accessing any computer equipment for a period of five years, a measure aimed at preventing further offenses. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years, a standard procedure for individuals convicted of such crimes.

Throughout the proceedings, Sutton's legal representative, Quentin Hunt, requested that the court consider a suspended sentence, arguing that imprisonment would have a devastating effect on his client. However, the judge decided that a custodial sentence was appropriate given the gravity of the offenses committed.