MARTYN HELLIWELL FROM OVER STRATTON JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENCES IN BRISTOL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Over Stratton and the wider Somerset area, Martyn Helliwell, aged 49, has been sentenced to prison for serious offences involving indecent images of children. The conviction follows a detailed investigation and trial at Bristol Crown Court, where Helliwell was found guilty on multiple counts related to the possession and distribution of such illicit material.

Helliwell, a former naval officer and magistrate, was convicted of 16 counts of making and distributing indecent images of children. The court also found him guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The evidence presented during the trial revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, with authorities uncovering nearly 1,000 indecent images on his personal computer during a search of his residence in November 2007.

The case gained additional notoriety due to Helliwell’s connections. He was previously associated with England rugby player Rory Underwood, a relationship that was brought into the spotlight during the proceedings. Underwood, a renowned winger who participated in the 1991 Rugby World Cup, provided testimony against Helliwell, shedding light on the nature of their acquaintance and the circumstances surrounding the case.

Helliwell’s background includes a career as a naval officer and service as a magistrate, roles that contrast sharply with the criminal conduct for which he was convicted. The court heard that Helliwell did not deny the existence of the images on his computer but claimed that they must have been planted by “other opportunists,” suggesting an attempt to shift blame or evade responsibility.

Furthermore, the prosecution argued that Helliwell engaged in efforts to obstruct justice by seeking alibis from clients and acquaintances, which the court found to be an attempt to mislead investigators and delay proceedings. These actions contributed to the severity of his sentence.

On Tuesday, Helliwell was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. In addition to his incarceration, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was issued a sexual offences prevention order, restricting his activities and contact with minors. The case has been widely reported, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in cases involving child exploitation and abuse.