SCIENTIST NICOLAS LE NOVERE FROM SAWSTON SENTENCED OVER CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CAMBRIDGE

In a case that has shocked the local community and the scientific world alike, Dr. Nicolas Le Novere, a prominent researcher based in Sawston, has been sentenced after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of child abuse images stored on his personal device. The incident came to light following a police raid at his residence in August 2017, during which officers discovered two illicit films and an extreme pornographic image.

According to court proceedings held at Cambridge Crown Court, Dr. Le Novere, aged 49 and residing on Tower Road in Sawston, had been viewing and possessing indecent images of children since the early 2000s, with the activity continuing until 2016. The court heard that among the materials found were two films of a sexual nature involving minors—one depicting a 12-year-old and another a disturbing 16-minute video featuring an eight-year-old child. Additionally, authorities identified an extreme pornographic image linked to the case.

The defendant, a senior group leader at the renowned Babraham Institute, admitted to charges of making indecent images of a child and possessing an extreme pornographic image. The institute, which he joined in 2012, stated that it was unaware of the allegations against him until the police investigation. Following the charges, Dr. Le Novere was suspended from his position pending a comprehensive inquiry into his conduct.

Dr. Le Novere’s research specializes in cellular and molecular neuroscience, as well as computational modelling. His work has garnered significant recognition, with citations exceeding 20,000 according to Google Scholar. Despite his professional achievements, his personal conduct has now led to legal repercussions.

During the sentencing, Judge Jonathan Cooper emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “You fully understand the harm that’s caused by people like you viewing images created by others. You have appreciated how much of your life you have put at risk. Every image you had downloaded had reflected a crime scene and every crime scene contained a real victim.”

As part of his punishment, Dr. Le Novere received an eight-month jail sentence, which was suspended for two years. Furthermore, he was issued a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years, aiming to restrict any future risk of offending and to protect potential victims from further harm.