MARTIN ROCHE FROM HYTHE AND LYNDHURST ADMITS TO DOWNLOADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Hythe and Lyndhurst, Martin Roche, a 50-year-old man, faced serious criminal charges after admitting to the police that he had been involved in the illicit activity of downloading indecent images of children. The incident came to light during a police visit to his residence in Greatwood Close, Hythe, where Roche was confronted with evidence of his actions.

According to court records, Roche confessed to the officers, stating simply, “Yes, I have been looking at some,” when questioned about his activities. Prosecutor Jodie Mittell detailed that Roche had downloaded over 700 such images onto his laptop on eight separate occasions spanning from September 2012 to January 2013. Despite the large volume of material, there was no evidence to suggest that Roche had distributed these images to others, but the possession alone was deemed a serious offence.

Roche, who now resides on Gosport Lane in Lyndhurst, faced a total of 13 charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images. The court heard that he had pleaded guilty to these charges, which led to his sentencing. The judge imposed a three-year community order on Roche, requiring him to participate in an Internet sex offenders’ treatment programme, a measure aimed at rehabilitation and preventing future offences. Additionally, Roche was handed a five-year sex offenders’ prevention order, restricting his access to certain online content and activities. He was also registered on the sex offenders’ register, a legal requirement for individuals convicted of such crimes.

During the sentencing hearing, Roche’s legal representative, Susan Ridge, provided a mitigating statement, acknowledging the impact of the charges on Roche’s life. She stated, “His life has fallen apart and he is trying to come to terms with what he has done,” highlighting the personal toll and the remorse expressed by Roche for his actions. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of illegal images of minors, and the serious consequences faced by those found guilty of such offences.