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RICHARD LEES SENTENCED IN WINCHESTER FOR INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
A man named Richard Lees, who had been downloading indecent images of children for approximately 30 years, claimed he believed the children in the images were not being abused but were simply models. The judge described Lees as a "collector of images of abuse of children" after discovering he possessed over 54,000 indecent photographs.On June 4, 2020, police conducted a search of Lees' home in The Orchard, Dibden, and seized several electronic devices, Winchester Crown Court heard on Friday. Prosecutor Jack Wright stated that only Lees' desktop computer and mobile phone were examined. Police found 11 Category B images and videos, along with a staggering 58,489 Category C images and videos. However, the court was told that the actual extent of Lees' offending could be even greater, as over 500,000 images remained uncategorised due to limited police resources for downloading them.
It was revealed that Lees used BitTorrent to access these images and had downloaded three terabytes' worth. During the investigation, authorities found that Lees frequently searched the same terms and admitted to searching for the same faces multiple times.
The court heard that Recorder Power expressed concern that Lees had no remorse and did not believe that downloading such images caused children to be abused. In his mitigation, solicitor Graham Gilbert requested that the court consider the Horizon programme, designed for men with sexual convictions who are deemed medium, high, or very high risk of reoffending. Mr. Gilbert argued that the course could benefit society by challenging Lees' attitudes with the help of qualified professionals.
Character references from Lees' former partner and sister were presented, indicating that he demonstrated positive qualities and helped those close to him. Lees had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent photographs of children.
In sentencing, Recorder Power stated, "You did not see that looking at those images led to children being abused. You thought the children were just models and that their parents would be paid for what they did." Lees was sentenced to a six-month prison term, suspended for 24 months. Additionally, he is required to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, attend 20 days of rehabilitation, and participate in the Horizon programme.
