REDDITCH MAN MARTIN THOMAS ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY

In April 2017, Martin Thomas, a 60-year-old resident of Kingsley Avenue in Redditch, was subject to a court ruling following his involvement in possessing and creating indecent images of children. The case came to light after police officers executed a search warrant at his home on April 14 of the previous year, leading to the seizure of numerous electronic devices and other items.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of images and videos depicting children between the ages of three and nine engaged in sexual abuse. The material was classified into different categories based on severity, with a total of 507 images at Category A, which included 348 still photographs and 159 videos showing the most extreme forms of abuse, including children being raped and subjected to violent acts. Additionally, there were 322 images at Category B, comprising 248 stills and 74 videos, and a further 981 images at Category C, consisting of 953 stills and 28 videos. The police also found 132 images classified as extreme pornography, made up of 94 stills and 38 videos.

When questioned in January, Martin Thomas, who was described as having a previously good character, claimed he was unaware that some of the images, particularly those depicting acts of bestiality, were illegal. Prosecutor Michael Conry stated that Thomas admitted to having been involved in viewing and downloading such material for approximately ten years, ever since he first obtained a computer. Despite this, Thomas denied deriving sexual pleasure from the images.

At Worcester Crown Court on April 21, Thomas pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images, one count of possessing a prohibited image, and another of possessing extreme pornographic material. His defense lawyer, Richard Hull, presented two character references and emphasized that Thomas had made full admissions during police interviews. Hull highlighted that Thomas had accepted responsibility for his actions and had been a productive member of society, raising two children without prior concerns. He also noted that Thomas’s wife remained supportive, and his 40-year-old son was present during the court proceedings.

Judge Nicolas Cartwright, presiding over the case, addressed the severity of the offense, stating, “The abuse of these children involves real rape. You should reflect on how you might feel if it was your grandchildren who were raped at the age of four in the way you have seen in those photographs and films. You might also consider how they would feel if they grew up knowing that individuals like you, with such disturbing sexual interests, could access and view their suffering online.”

As a result, the judge sentenced Martin Thomas to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years. The court also ordered him to complete 20 days of rehabilitation, perform 200 hours of unpaid community service, and participate in a sex offender group work program. Furthermore, a sexual harm prevention order was issued for ten years, restricting Thomas from having contact with any children under 18 without prior approval from his police offender manager and social services. Any contact must be supervised by the child's parent or guardian, who is fully aware of Thomas’s conviction and the terms of the order.

Additionally, Thomas is prohibited from possessing any device capable of internet access unless it can display and provide his internet search history upon request to law enforcement. He is also barred from possessing software or hardware with file-wiping or encryption capabilities, aiming to prevent further concealment of illegal material.