MERVYN BETTERTON SENTENCED IN GLOUCESTER FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In October 2011, Mervyn Betterton, 58, of Whitfield Street, Gloucester, was sentenced after being found in possession of indecent photographs of children. He was committed to prison for eight weeks, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £85 in court costs.

Earlier, in August 2011, Betterton was confronted with 12 images of child pornography on his mobile phone. He claimed that the images had been sent to him by someone he did not know. Despite his explanation, Betterton faced a potential prison sentence.

He pleaded guilty to all 12 charges, admitting he had kept every image he received. The court ordered him to register as a sex offender and cautioned that he could be jailed.

Prosecuting solicitor Louise Pinder from Gloucester Magistrates Court explained, "Police officers visited the defendant’s address on June 12 and examined his mobile phone. They found a total of 12 images—seven at level one, two at level two, and three at level four, with level five being the most explicit. He was subsequently arrested."

During police interview, Betterton stated, "Someone who I do not know has been sending these images to my phone."