RICHARD MILLETT FROM PORINGLAND SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT NORWICH CROWN COURT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Poringland and the surrounding Norfolk area, Richard Millett, aged 56, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and downloading a significant number of indecent images and videos depicting young boys as young as two years old. The proceedings took place at Norwich Crown Court, where the details of Millett’s criminal activities were laid bare.

According to court reports, police executed a raid on Millett’s residence located on Rosebery Avenue in Poringland on May 1. During the operation, authorities confiscated a substantial collection of digital devices, including multiple hard drives and computers, which were believed to contain illicit material. The investigation revealed that Millett, who was a board member at the Seething Airfield private members club, continued his illegal activities even after his initial arrest.

Prosecutor Andrea Lock explained to the court that Millett did not cease his disturbing behavior following the police seizure. Instead, he took a computer from his flying club, claiming it was provided to him for installing software related to the club’s operations. However, Ms. Lock stated that Millett used this device to access and download child pornography, engaging in deliberate searches for such images. Evidence indicated that he persisted in these activities despite the seizure of his own equipment.

During police interviews, Millett admitted to having been viewing indecent images of children for approximately five years. The court was also informed of his prior criminal history; in the 1990s, Millett had served a four-year prison sentence after befriending boys aged 10 and 11 and paying them for sexual acts, highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior.

In mitigation, Ian James, representing Millett, attributed some of his client’s issues to an “unhappy childhood” and a period of institutionalization. He emphasized that Millett had been honest with police, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and maintained a consistent work record. Mr. James also noted that Millett’s personal life appeared to be quite lonely, lacking the companionship of an adult female partner.

However, Judge Nicholas Coleman was unequivocal in his sentencing. He expressed concern over Millett’s high risk of reoffending, describing it as “deeply troubling.” The judge dismissed suggestions that depression played a role in Millett’s offending, pointing out that he only sought medical help after being caught. He also criticized Millett’s previous participation in a sex offenders treatment program, which he said had failed to prevent further offending.

As a result, Millett was sentenced to 16 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual offences prevention order for an indefinite period, which prohibits any unsupervised contact with individuals under 16 and restricts his use of internet-enabled devices without police approval. His computer equipment was confiscated and subsequently destroyed to prevent further misuse. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from such heinous crimes.