RICHARD TRAVELL'S SHOCKING CHILD PORN CASE IN BECKENHAM: NO PRISON BUT STRICT CONDITIONS

In a recent case that has shocked the community of Beckenham, Richard Travell, a 47-year-old resident of Kent House Road, faced serious allegations related to the possession of indecent images of children. The incident came to light after police executed a raid on his home on October 18 of the previous year. During the search, authorities confiscated Travell's computer, which was subsequently found to contain a disturbing total of 205 indecent images of minors.

Despite the gravity of the evidence, Travell pleaded guilty to six charges of possessing indecent images of children during a hearing held at Croydon Crown Court in September. Prosecutor Philip Jones detailed that Travell had attempted to conceal his illicit activities by using specialized software designed to hide or encrypt such material, indicating a deliberate effort to evade detection.

It was also revealed that Travell has a prior criminal record related to similar offenses. In 1996, he was convicted and served a six-month jail sentence for smuggling indecent material into the United Kingdom. This history underscores a pattern of concerning behavior that has persisted over the years.

In sentencing, Judge Simon Pratt reviewed a report prepared by the probation service, which recommended a community-based penalty rather than imprisonment. On December 1, the judge imposed a three-year community order on Travell. This order includes a ban on seeking employment that could bring him into contact with children, as well as strict conditions aimed at preventing any further offenses.

Specifically, Travell is prohibited from having children at his residence or staying overnight at any address where children are present. Additionally, he must allow police unrestricted access to his home at any time to inspect his computer and ensure compliance with the court's orders. Travell will also be registered on the Sex Offenders' Register for a period of five years.

Judge Pratt emphasized the seriousness of the case and warned that any breach of the conditions could result in a return to custody. The community and authorities alike will be watching closely to ensure that Travell adheres to the terms set forth by the court, in hopes of preventing any further harm.