PETER WATTS FROM HAILSHAM JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN SUSSEX

In a significant case that has shocked the local community, Peter Watts, a 37-year-old former physical education teacher and cricket coach from Upper Dicker near Hailsham, Sussex, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for his involvement in distributing and creating child pornography. The conviction follows a detailed investigation by law enforcement authorities that uncovered a disturbing collection of illegal images stored on Watts' personal computer.

According to court records, police executed a raid on Watts' residence, located on Camberlot Road in Upper Dicker, where they discovered an alarming total of over 3,500 child pornography images. These images were linked to nine charges of distribution and 35 charges of producing indecent images of a child. The severity of the case was underscored by the sheer volume of illicit material found on his device, highlighting the extent of his involvement in such criminal activities.

Watts, who previously taught at Bexhill College during the 1990s, admitted to the charges during his court appearance in August. He also requested that 3,541 similar offences committed between October 19, 2002, and January 27, 2004, be taken into account during sentencing. It was revealed that Watts had a prior conviction in 2001 for similar offences, which resulted in a non-custodial sentence at that time. However, this previous conviction did little to deter his continued engagement in illegal activities.

The court heard that Watts' attempts at reform were severely impacted after he was featured in a BBC documentary focusing on paedophiles. The documentary, which aired some years prior, was cited by Watts as a factor that contributed to his struggles in changing his behavior, although Judge Charles Kemp made it clear that such exposure was no justification for his criminal conduct.

In addition to his prison sentence, Watts received a lifetime ban from working with children, a measure designed to prevent any future risk to minors. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The police also seized all computer equipment from his home, which was subsequently ordered to be destroyed to prevent further dissemination of illegal material.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from individuals who seek to harm them. Watts' conviction and sentencing mark a significant step in the pursuit of justice for victims of such heinous crimes in Sussex.