RICHARD MUTTON SHOCKS SHAFTESBURY WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES SCANDAL

In November 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving Richard Mutton, a resident of Shaftesbury, who was found to be involved in the possession and sharing of indecent images of children. The investigation was initiated after the National Crime Agency (NCA) alerted Dorset Police to suspicious online activity linked to Mutton, leading to a series of legal proceedings that revealed the extent of his involvement in this serious crime.

According to court reports, Dorset Police launched an inquiry into Mutton’s online activities following the NCA’s referral on January 4. The NCA had identified that indecent images of children, classified as Category C, were being uploaded to the internet via the Kik messaging application. This discovery prompted police to focus their investigation on Mutton’s digital footprint, which ultimately led to his arrest at his residence in Shaftesbury.

During the arrest, officers seized three mobile phones from Mutton, who was then taken to Weymouth Police Station for questioning. The devices were subsequently examined, revealing disturbing evidence: two of the phones contained a total of 46 Category B images and eight Category C images depicting children. The images included children approximately 13 and 15 years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material involved.

Prosecutor Richard Oakley provided further details during the court hearing, explaining that Mutton had used the Kik app for a period of two to three years. He was involved in online groups where individuals shared explicit images, including those involving children. One such group involved sharing images of children flashing, while another was dedicated to uploading pornography. Although Mutton claimed he did not save the indecent images, he admitted to clicking on them and viewing such material in the past.

In his police interview, Mutton stated that he did not have a sexual attraction to children. Instead, he claimed to have used adult pornography for his own gratification. Despite his assertions, the court found sufficient evidence of his possession and viewing of illegal images, leading to a guilty plea on charges related to the possession of Category B and Category C images between November 11, 2020, and May 11, 2021.

During sentencing, a pre-sentence report classified Mutton as a ‘low level of risk’ for reoffending or causing harm to children. Nevertheless, magistrates imposed a series of strict penalties. Mutton was sentenced to an 18-month community order, which includes 30 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 200 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, he was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his future online activity and contact with minors. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £95 and court costs of £40, marking a significant legal response to his actions.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Dorset to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from digital abuse. The community of Shaftesbury and the wider region remains vigilant in the face of such disturbing crimes, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and reporting suspicious online behavior.