ROBERT CHUBB BANNED IN BIRCHINGTON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In October 2014, Robert Chubb, a 65-year-old resident of Shottenden Road in Birchington, was sentenced in connection with his possession and distribution of indecent images of children. Chubb, a former post office worker, had amassed a disturbing collection of approximately 1,000 illicit photographs stored on his computers. The images included some classified in the most severe category, with 127 of them being particularly graphic and disturbing in nature.

Chubb had previously pleaded guilty to six charges related to the creation and downloading of these indecent images during a court hearing at Canterbury Crown Court. The charges stemmed from allegations that he had engaged in the possession and dissemination of child abuse material, which he claimed was part of what he described as 'journalistic research.' However, the court was skeptical of this explanation, especially given the nature and volume of the images involved.

On the day of sentencing, Judge Simon James addressed Chubb directly, stating, "You claimed you were doing journalistic research but you didn’t seem to accept the truth that you have a sexual attraction to children." The judge emphasized the severity of the case, noting that the images included some in the worst category of abuse. The investigation was triggered after complaints surfaced that Chubb had shared and repeated images on social media platforms, raising concerns among the public and authorities.

During the proceedings, Judge James condemned individuals like Chubb who deal in such warped imagery, asserting that they bear responsibility for perpetuating the suffering of the children depicted in these photographs. The court's findings highlighted the damaging impact of such material and the ongoing cycle of abuse it sustains.

John Barker, representing Chubb, expressed remorse on his client's behalf, describing him as 'embarrassed and remorseful' about his actions. Barker also revealed that Chubb was embroiled in a stressful immigration dispute involving his Thai wife, who faced the possibility of returning to Thailand to apply for residence, a situation that reportedly preoccupied him and may have contributed to his behavior.

As part of his sentence, Chubb was handed an eight-month jail term, which was suspended for two years on all six charges. Additionally, he was subjected to a five-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from working with children. The court also mandated two years of supervision and ordered him to complete a 24-month internet sex offenders course. Judge James remarked that through this process, Chubb would be compelled to confront and accept the uncomfortable truths about himself, aiming to prevent future offenses and protect the community from further harm.