PIERS WATERS FROM EMER GREEN ESCAPES PRISON AFTER MASSIVE CHILD AND ANIMAL IMAGE SCANDAL IN READING
In a case that has shocked the local community of Emmer Green and the wider Reading area, Piers Waters, a 45-year-old man, was found to have accumulated an astonishing collection of indecent images and videos involving children and animals.The disturbing discovery was made during police investigations that uncovered Waters’s extensive online activity spanning from 2017 to 2019.
Waters, who resides on Buckingham Gate in Emmer Green, was brought before Reading Crown Court to face charges related to the possession of a staggering 1.7 million images and videos.
These included the most serious category of child and animal abuse material, as well as a large number of less explicit images.
The court heard that Waters had downloaded these illicit files over a period of approximately two years, raising serious concerns about the potential victims involved.
During the initial police interview, Waters refused to cooperate, responding to all questions with a simple “No comment.” It was only after authorities seized devices from his home that the extent of his offending was revealed, leading to his eventual admission of guilt.
The prosecution detailed that Waters was responsible for creating and possessing 871 of the most severe images involving children and animals, alongside 1,280 images of a less explicit nature, and an additional 246,000 images classified as the least serious.
Prosecutor Iwona Boesche highlighted the disturbing nature of Waters’s online activity, pointing out that his internet browsing history contained searches for terms associated with child exploitation.
One such search referenced a website known for facilitating chats with strangers, a platform often used by sexual predators.
She emphasized that although many files were inaccessible, this did not imply Waters had not viewed or downloaded them, as some files had been deleted but were still recoverable from seized devices.
Judge Anne Studd, presiding over the case, acknowledged Waters’s lack of prior convictions and his guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.
She noted his efforts to improve himself and considered these factors in her sentencing decision.
Waters was handed an 18-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffends within that period.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, participate in 25 days of rehabilitation programs, complete 70 hours of unpaid community service, and pay costs amounting to £425 along with a victim surcharge of £140.
Waters, who earns an annual salary of approximately £65,000 as a service compliance manager, is currently separated from his wife.
The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his actions, but also considers his cooperation and efforts to reform, resulting in a sentence that aims to balance punishment with rehabilitation.
