RICHARD CHALCRAFT FROM LANCING SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN CHICHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Lancing, Richard Chalcraft, aged 37, has been sentenced to a prison term after police uncovered a significant collection of indecent images and videos depicting children. The investigation revealed that Chalcraft possessed more than 600 illicit images, which included both photographs and videos, and also engaged in the distribution of such material. The case was brought before Chichester Crown Court, where Chalcraft pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the possession and distribution of child exploitation material.

According to prosecutor Rachel Beckett, some of the images found at Chalcraft’s residence in South Street, Lancing, depicted very young boys, some as young as four or five years old. The court was informed that Chalcraft did not attempt to conceal his guilt during his arrest; in fact, he was candid with police officers about his actions. During the police journey to the station, Chalcraft reportedly remarked that “it’s ridiculous really, people start sending you stuff and you become desensitised,” a statement he later confirmed he had made while in custody.

When asked whether he wanted legal representation, Chalcraft responded dismissively, saying, “If you’re guilty, you’re guilty. Do I need one?” His attitude and admissions during the arrest process underscored his awareness of the severity of his actions. The police investigation uncovered a total of 297 images at his home, along with 312 videos, all of which were classified within various categories of severity, from less to more explicit.

Furthermore, Chalcraft admitted to distributing indecent images during a single online chat session in February 2014. He claimed that he was heavily intoxicated at the time he sent the images, which included 30 photographs of children. The distribution was a one-time event, but it contributed significantly to his sentencing.

During the court proceedings, Chalcraft’s defense attorney, John Naylor, emphasized that his client, who has worked as a funeral director for over a decade, was struggling with issues of addiction, specifically to pornography. Naylor suggested that the images were downloaded on a single day in September 2013, and that Chalcraft’s addiction was more to adult pornography than to child exploitation material, although he acknowledged the seriousness of the charges.

Judge S Smyth outlined the consequences Chalcraft faced, noting that he would serve a prison sentence of two years for the most serious charge of distributing indecent images. The judge also indicated that Chalcraft would be eligible for early release after serving half of his sentence. In addition, he was sentenced to concurrent terms for the five counts of possession, which ranged from four to ten months, totaling approximately two years of incarceration. The court made it clear that Chalcraft’s reputation and personal life would be profoundly affected, with the loss of his job, his good name, and his accommodation.

It is important to note that Richard Chalcraft is not connected with Chalcraft Funeral Directors of Steyning, despite the similarity in names. The case has raised serious concerns within the community of Lancing, highlighting the ongoing issues related to child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in tackling such heinous crimes.