PAUL SALT FROM ST IVES CAUGHT UP IN BEACH PHOTO SCANDAL IN CORNWALL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of St. Ives in Cornwall, authorities have uncovered that Paul Salt, a man with a troubling criminal history, has once again engaged in illicit activities involving children. This revelation comes after Salt was found taking photographs of young children on the beaches and in various locations around St. Ives, often without their knowledge or consent. These images were subsequently uploaded to online forums, raising serious concerns about his intentions and the safety of local children.

Back in 2014, Salt, a resident of St. Ives, was convicted of possessing over 4,000 indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed that Salt held disturbing beliefs, including the notion that adults should have the legal right to engage in sexual activities with minors. During police interviews, he admitted to having a longstanding interest in naturist pictures of girls and expressed an attraction to females aged five to 18. His comments and actions have caused alarm among residents and authorities alike.

The police had previously seized Salt’s computer in 2012 following reports from concerned members of the public about “secret photographs of young girls” that he had been uploading to a website intended for artists. Investigations uncovered that Salt had uploaded numerous photographs of young girls in various states of dress, including swimwear, on the beach and in other public settings. These images, which spanned several years, were categorized by police into different levels of severity, with the majority falling into the least serious category, Category C.

In November 2014, Salt appeared before Truro Crown Court, where it was revealed that he had taken photographs of girls on the beaches of St. Ives. Despite possessing over 4,000 indecent images, he narrowly avoided imprisonment. The court heard that Salt had pleaded guilty to nine counts of making indecent images, including photographs and videos, of children between July 22, 2008, and November 21, 2013. The images covered all categories used by police to classify such material, with most falling into Category C, indicating a lower level of severity.

Prosecutor Philip Lee clarified that there was no direct evidence linking the beach photographs to the criminal offences, nor was there evidence that the seized camera and memory stick had been used to commit crimes. The police, however, did seize Salt’s computer and ordered its forfeiture. Salt’s defense argued that he had been transparent with authorities and that the beach photographs did not depict anything indecent or inappropriate. They emphasized that Salt’s actions should not cause public alarm, asserting that he intended to address the concerns raised.

Judge Christopher Harvey Clark, QC, sentenced Salt to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. In his remarks, the judge condemned Salt’s attitudes, noting that he enjoyed viewing photographs of young girls, either naked or semi-clothed, and believed that children should be permitted to have sexual relationships with each other and with adults. The judge emphasized that society considers such beliefs fundamentally wrong and that Salt’s views are at odds with societal norms.

Furthermore, Salt was ordered to participate in an internet sex offenders’ treatment program and to remain under supervision of the probation service for two years. He was also subjected to a two-month curfew from 8 pm to 6 am daily, ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for the next ten years, and placed under an indefinite sexual offences prevention order. These measures aim to monitor and restrict Salt’s activities to prevent further harm and ensure public safety in the community of St. Ives and beyond.