PAUL HAMMOND FROM BEDFORD, GRAVENHURST, AND STROUD SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Bedford, Gravenhurst, and Stroud, Paul Hammond, aged 57, has been convicted of serious internet-based child exploitation crimes. Hammond, who has a long history of sex offences dating back to 1969, was found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children, leading to a significant legal sentence handed down by the court.

According to court proceedings, Hammond was actively involved in online activities under the aliases 'Betty' and 'Betty Boop,' which he used while collecting and sharing images from a notorious group dedicated to distributing child pornography. The police investigation, which commenced in 2005, uncovered crucial evidence linking Hammond to these illicit activities. Authorities traced an IP address associated with 'Betty' to Hammond’s residence on Barton Road in Gravenhurst. This connection was established after a detailed digital forensics operation.

In November 2006, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hammond’s home. During the raid, they confiscated multiple electronic devices, including a laptop, a computer tower, DVDs, and floppy disks, all of which were believed to contain illegal material. Hammond was subsequently detained and taken to Greyfriars police station in Bedford. During initial questioning, he claimed to have viewed adult material but denied any involvement with child pornography.

However, on the first day of his trial, Hammond, who was then residing on Harewood Road in Bedford, pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent images and one count of possession. The images in question numbered 25 in total, with 21 classified as level one (the lowest severity), one at level two, and three at level three, indicating more severe content.

Further background revealed that Hammond had a disturbing history of offences. In 1990, while living in a commune in Stroud, Gloucestershire, he had taken explicit photographs of a young girl, whom he had coerced into undressing. His criminal record also includes convictions for indecent exposure in 1969, 1973, 1980, and 1984, illustrating a pattern of predatory behavior over several decades.

Lesley Bates, Hammond’s defense attorney, emphasized that her client had not distributed or published the images. She also highlighted that Hammond had never previously received treatment for his problematic behavior and expressed a desire to seek help. Additionally, she pointed out Hammond’s financial struggles, noting that he had been declared bankrupt in January of the previous year.

Judge Barbara Mensah addressed Hammond directly, stating, “This is not a victimless crime. It involved the exploitation of children. The victims are real children.” Recognizing the severity of the offences, she imposed a three-year community order. As part of the sentence, Hammond is required to attend a Thames Valley sex offenders’ program, register as a sex offender for five years, and pay costs amounting to 250 pounds.

Furthermore, the court issued a sexual offences prevention order, which will remain in effect indefinitely. Under this order, Hammond is prohibited from using any software that conceals or deletes his computer activity, must grant police access to any of his electronic devices, and is restricted from downloading content from the internet unless it pertains to lawful employment. He is also barred from being alone with anyone under the age of 16, reflecting ongoing concerns about his potential risk to children.