RICHARD SHARP FROM PITSEA ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES IN ESSEX
| Red Rose Database
Pitsea Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pitsea, Richard Sharp, a 34-year-old resident of Stokefelde, was found guilty of serious child sexual offenses but was spared immediate imprisonment. The incident dates back to February 2019, when police executed a search warrant at Sharp's residence and confiscated multiple electronic devices. These devices, some of which could be thoroughly examined, revealed a disturbing collection of illicit material.
Among the most alarming findings were 1,178 images classified as Category A, representing the most severe form of child abuse imagery. Additionally, authorities discovered 377 images categorized as Category B, 339 images in Category C, along with two extreme pornographic images and 247 images deemed prohibited under law. The investigation also uncovered a single indecent video involving a young girl, which Sharp had filmed himself before recording the victim, who was under the age of 13. The precise date when this video was recorded was not disclosed during the proceedings.
Prosecutor Oliver Kirk outlined the details to Basildon Crown Court, emphasizing that Sharp had admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornography, and possessing prohibited images. He also confessed to filming the indecent video of the young girl. During the trial, it was revealed that the video began with Sharp filming himself, then shifting focus to the young girl, who was in the same room as him at the time. The court was informed that the child had been spoken to by authorities, and no additional offenses related to her had been disclosed.
Judge Samantha Leigh addressed Sharp directly, condemning his actions as extremely serious. She pointed out that the offenses included downloading illegal material from the internet, which was considered less severe compared to the act of photographing the young girl. The judge emphasized the gravity of the latter offense, stating, “The last and most serious is that you took a photograph of the girl.”
Despite the severity of the crimes, Judge Leigh sentenced Sharp to a two-year prison term, which was suspended, meaning he would not serve time immediately provided he complies with certain conditions. These conditions include completing 60 hours of rehabilitation, performing 200 hours of unpaid community work, and participating in the Horizon programme designed for sexual offenders. Furthermore, Sharp was placed under a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his activities and contact with minors. The judge warned that failure to adhere to these conditions would result in his immediate imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed his offenses.
Among the most alarming findings were 1,178 images classified as Category A, representing the most severe form of child abuse imagery. Additionally, authorities discovered 377 images categorized as Category B, 339 images in Category C, along with two extreme pornographic images and 247 images deemed prohibited under law. The investigation also uncovered a single indecent video involving a young girl, which Sharp had filmed himself before recording the victim, who was under the age of 13. The precise date when this video was recorded was not disclosed during the proceedings.
Prosecutor Oliver Kirk outlined the details to Basildon Crown Court, emphasizing that Sharp had admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornography, and possessing prohibited images. He also confessed to filming the indecent video of the young girl. During the trial, it was revealed that the video began with Sharp filming himself, then shifting focus to the young girl, who was in the same room as him at the time. The court was informed that the child had been spoken to by authorities, and no additional offenses related to her had been disclosed.
Judge Samantha Leigh addressed Sharp directly, condemning his actions as extremely serious. She pointed out that the offenses included downloading illegal material from the internet, which was considered less severe compared to the act of photographing the young girl. The judge emphasized the gravity of the latter offense, stating, “The last and most serious is that you took a photograph of the girl.”
Despite the severity of the crimes, Judge Leigh sentenced Sharp to a two-year prison term, which was suspended, meaning he would not serve time immediately provided he complies with certain conditions. These conditions include completing 60 hours of rehabilitation, performing 200 hours of unpaid community work, and participating in the Horizon programme designed for sexual offenders. Furthermore, Sharp was placed under a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his activities and contact with minors. The judge warned that failure to adhere to these conditions would result in his immediate imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed his offenses.