RICHARD JORDAN FROM CHURCHDOWN CONVICTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local community of Churchdown, Richard Jordan, a 64-year-old grandfather of 14 children, was found to possess highly illegal and disturbing material on his personal computer. The allegations came to light after authorities uncovered evidence of his involvement with the most severe category of child pornography, which included indecent images of minors stored in a folder labeled 'Specials'.

During proceedings at Gloucester Crown Court, the defendant maintained that he was not responsible for downloading the illicit content himself. He claimed that other individuals might have had access to his computer and could have been responsible for the downloads. Despite his assertions, the court found him guilty of two counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing extreme pornography.

The court sentenced Jordan to a 12-month community order, which includes a requirement for him to participate in a 20-day activity program. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years and was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his activities and access to certain materials.

Judge Michael Harington addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the offences. He stated, "The fact that there are people like you downloading this material means there is a demand for it and that means children are being abused in order to make it. It is very sad to see someone of your age and background with your family in the dock having been convicted of these offences."

Prosecutor Virginia Cornwall explained that police were alerted to the presence of indecent images on Jordan’s computer after internet service provider Virgin Media reported suspicious activity between January and March of the previous year. When officers visited his residence on April 8, Jordan admitted to viewing adult pornography and claimed he had not saved any images of children. However, further investigation revealed a more troubling picture.

Officers discovered that between 2008 and 2012, Jordan had moved five Category C still images and one extreme pornography video into his computer’s recycle bin. More disturbingly, they found seven Category A movies and one Category B movie stored within a folder titled 'Specials'.

During a subsequent interview, Jordan retracted his earlier statements and suggested that other individuals might have accessed his computer and downloaded the illicit material without his knowledge. He even hinted that his daughter’s ex-boyfriend could have been involved, implying he might have been falsely accused.

Ms. Cornwall highlighted that Jordan was considered a man of previously good character. His defense lawyer, Jon Holmes, emphasized that Jordan continues to deny responsibility for the downloads, despite the magistrates’ conviction at trial last month. Holmes pointed out that the case involved only a small number of images, unlike many other cases he had handled, which involved thousands of illegal files.

Holmes also provided insight into Jordan’s personal life, noting that he has been married for 46 years and is the proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren, ranging in age from 7 to 26. The eldest grandchild resides with him and his wife, as she is severely disabled and they are responsible for her care. The case has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation and abuse.