DIDOT'S MARTYN KIDD SENTENCED AT OXFORD CROWN COURT FOR CHILD AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES

In January 2018, Martyn Kidd, a resident of Didcot, was brought before Oxford Crown Court to face serious charges related to the possession of illegal and highly disturbing images. The court proceedings revealed that Kidd, a 55-year-old lorry driver, was found to be in possession of a significant collection of abusive material involving both children and animals, which has caused considerable distress and trauma.

During the sentencing hearing, Kidd was visibly emotional, shedding tears as he faced the court’s judgment. The authorities uncovered a total of 219 illicit images and videos stored on two laptops seized from his residence on March 29. These devices included one taken from the dining room table and another from a desk located in a spare bedroom, indicating that Kidd maintained these materials in accessible locations within his home.

Among the collection, a disturbing majority—169 images and videos—were computer-generated, yet the remaining content depicted real children aged between five and 13, displaying distressing scenes. Some of the images were classified as ‘extreme pornography,’ specifically involving acts of bestiality, which are considered particularly heinous under the law.

The court was informed that Kidd had employed specialized software designed to hide his internet activity, yet police investigations uncovered evidence of searches for terms such as ‘bestiality,’ suggesting an active interest in such illegal content. The authorities’ efforts culminated in Kidd’s arrest, after which he voluntarily sought help from the charity Stop It Now, which specializes in preventing sex abuse.

In court, Kidd pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child, three counts of creating indecent images, and one count of possessing extreme pornography. The case also revealed that Kidd was employed as a lorry driver for Asda but had been signed off work due to depression, which may have contributed to his actions.

Legal representatives highlighted that Kidd had no previous convictions relevant to these charges, and emphasized the personal toll the case had taken on his marriage and home life. The prosecution’s case was presented by Mr. Khan, who detailed the extent of Kidd’s illegal activities and the impact on victims.

In sentencing, Recorder Nigel Daly acknowledged Kidd’s apparent suffering, but emphasized the gravity of his actions. “There is no doubt you have suffered as a result of this yourself,” he stated. “However, making these images means a child has been subjected to the sort of behaviours depicted. If not for people prepared to look at them, that wouldn’t happen.”

Instead of a custodial sentence, the judge imposed a 24-month community order, which includes a requirement for Kidd to complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity program and participate in a 30-day Horizon sex offender treatment scheme. Additionally, Kidd was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and ordered to pay £500 towards legal costs, reflecting the seriousness of his offences and the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention.