PETER MINCHIM FROM MINCHINHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

A 69-year-old man named Peter Minchim has been handed a sentence of two years in prison, which has been suspended for two years, after being found guilty of possessing a large collection of indecent images and videos depicting children. The case unfolded in Gloucester Crown Court, where the court heard that Minchim was arrested at his residence located in Beeches Park, Hampton Fields, near Minchinhampton, following a tip-off from the National Crime Agency that linked his address to the possession of illegal material.

According to prosecutor Ehsanul Oarith, authorities seized Minchim’s computer during the investigation. An examination of the device revealed a disturbing cache of digital content, including 369 indecent images and two videos classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe level of such material. In addition to these, there were 286 images categorized as Category B, 687 images in Category C, and one more video. The authorities also discovered a prohibited image along with 12 images depicting extreme pornography. The court was informed that the youngest child depicted in these images was only six months old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material involved.

During the proceedings, defense lawyer Catherine Spedding explained that a comprehensive pre-sentence report had been prepared. She also noted that Minchim had submitted two character references to the court. Supporting Minchim was Alison Huntley, an NHS support worker involved in the criminal justice system, who had been assisting him since his arrest. Ms. Huntley testified that Minchim had expressed significant remorse for his actions and had proactively reached out to 'Stop It Now,' a specialist organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting offenders seeking help. She further stated that the offense had resulted in the breakdown of Minchim’s marriage and argued that a community-based sentence would be more beneficial, allowing him to receive the necessary support and rehabilitation.

Minchim admitted to three counts of possessing a total of 1,345 indecent images and videos of children across categories A, B, and C, along with one prohibited image and 12 images of extreme pornography, all committed between January 31 and August 31 of the previous year. In addition to the suspended prison sentence, the court ordered Minchim to pay costs amounting to £425, complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and attend 40 days of rehabilitation activities. Furthermore, he was subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and was required to register as a sex offender for the same period.

Judge Recorder Tom Brown addressed the court, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the images, which involved children as young as six months old. He acknowledged that Minchim had taken steps toward addressing his offending behavior, which suggested a potential for rehabilitation. The judge also noted that Minchim appeared genuinely ashamed of his actions, and he concluded by stating that while the offenses were serious, the steps taken by Minchim provided some hope for his future rehabilitation.