RICHARD HURT FROM DEVIZES ESCAPES JAIL AFTER DISTRIBUTING CHILD RAPE IMAGES IN SWINDON

In a case that has shocked the community of Devizes, Richard Hurt, a 66-year-old grandfather, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found guilty of possessing and distributing indecent images of children. The incident came to light in Swindon Crown Court, where authorities revealed that Hurt had downloaded hundreds of such images and videos, which he stored on his personal computer and Kindle tablet.

According to prosecutor Colin Meeke, police received information indicating that an email account was being used to distribute these illicit materials. In January of the same year, officers visited Hurt’s residence in Devizes, where the pensioner admitted that the email address linked to the account was indeed his. During the search, various electronic devices, including computers and storage equipment, were confiscated and examined. Authorities discovered a disturbing collection of indecent images and movies depicting children, stored across multiple devices.

Hurt explained during questioning that his initial interest was in adult pornography. However, he admitted that after engaging with others online, he began receiving images of children. He further disclosed that he had saved some of this material onto his Kindle tablet and a USB drive. The police investigation uncovered a total of 137 images classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe level of child exploitation material, along with 23 movies. Additionally, there were 174 images at Category B and 65 at Category C.

The court also found that Hurt had actively sent images of the most severe category (A) on four separate occasions in December of the previous year and January 2017. Specifically, he transmitted six Category A images, four at Category B, and two at Category C via email. Alongside these images, authorities discovered messages in which Hurt expressed disturbing desires involving children, indicating a troubling mindset.

Hurt, who provided an address on London Road in Chippenham, pleaded guilty to charges of making and distributing indecent images of children, as well as possessing prohibited images. His defense lawyer, Andrew Banks, emphasized that Hurt had led a previously blameless and diligent life, with no prior criminal record. Banks also highlighted that Hurt’s wife was deeply disappointed but remained supportive, and that Hurt had to disclose his actions to his children, including a daughter and her child, who were living at home at the time. This led to social services becoming involved, and Hurt was compelled to move out of his family home. He subsequently found accommodation in Chippenham but was considered no longer a threat and was permitted to return.

Following his arrest, Hurt sought help for his issues. He contacted the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a charity dedicated to preventing child abuse, but found their courses fully booked. As a result, he sought assistance elsewhere.

In sentencing, Recorder Richard Onslow emphasized the gravity of Hurt’s actions, stating, “Making, possessing and distributing these images encourages the vile trade in these things and the commission of dreadful offences against innocent children.” Hurt was sentenced to a two-year prison term, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was required to pay £400 in court costs. Hurt will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender for the next ten years.