MARTIN JARVIS FROM WHITWICK JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES IN LEICESTER

In June 2013, a man named Martin Jarvis, aged 65 and residing in Whitwick, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious charges related to child abuse images. The case was brought to light following a detailed investigation by law enforcement authorities, including the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which uncovered Jarvis’s involvement in the distribution and creation of indecent images of children.

Authorities revealed that Jarvis had established websites that served as platforms for paedophiles, offering advice on how to access and share child abuse images while avoiding detection by law enforcement or vigilante groups. These online forums and websites created a clandestine environment where like-minded individuals could communicate and exchange illegal material with relative ease.

Law enforcement officials executed a raid on Jarvis’s former residence located on St Bernards Road in Whitwick. During the operation, police seized his computer equipment and other electronic devices, which were later examined as part of the investigation. The evidence collected confirmed that Jarvis had downloaded more than 300,000 indecent images of children, with approximately 20,000 of these images being distributed to others.

Prosecutors outlined the scope of Jarvis’s criminal activities, which spanned over a decade. He pleaded guilty to 12 counts of distributing child abuse images in 2012, 11 counts of making indecent images through downloading between 2010 and the previous year, five counts of possessing illegal images of children from 2001 until January of the current year, and an additional charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of offences by creating and managing internet sites from 2008 through January of this year.

Victoria Rose, representing the prosecution, emphasized that Jarvis’s actions extended beyond mere possession and distribution. She explained that he actively advised other offenders on how to evade detection, creating “safe” online spaces for paedophiles to communicate and share illegal content. The investigation revealed that the images involved a staggering total of 349,643 images at the lowest level of severity, along with hundreds of videos and images across higher categories, including 60 images classified as the most serious. The majority of these images depicted young girls, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material.

During sentencing, Judge Michael Pert QC remarked on the disturbing nature of the images, noting that many appeared to originate from third-world countries where children are exploited under dire economic circumstances. The judge condemned Jarvis’s active role in facilitating the exchange of such material and aiding others in avoiding detection, emphasizing the harm caused to victims worldwide.

Jane Hinds, representing Jarvis in mitigation, pointed out that he had no prior criminal record. She described him as a technically skilled individual whose interest in computers and web development had taken a dark turn. Hinds also highlighted Jarvis’s social isolation, noting that he had lost contact with his family, including his mother, who passed away 14 years earlier. She explained that his fascination with technology, combined with loneliness, contributed to his involvement in these offences.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Robert Waddington of Leicestershire Police issued a statement underscoring the extensive nature of the investigation. He stressed that Jarvis’s use of his technical expertise to distribute illegal images and assist others in doing the same was a serious offence. Waddington warned that online offenders often believe they can operate with impunity but assured that law enforcement agencies are committed to tracking down such individuals and bringing them to justice, as demonstrated by this case.