ROBERT LAW FROM MARDEN ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENCES IN CHELMSFORD

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Robert David Law, a 43-year-old resident of Ballard Close in Marden, was found guilty of possessing and downloading a substantial number of child abuse images. The incident, which took place in Essex, was brought before Chelmsford Crown Court, where Law faced serious charges related to indecent material involving minors.

Law was accused of downloading a total of 522 indecent images, some of which included highly disturbing content. Court proceedings revealed that among these images, there were photographs that had been superimposed with images of himself and young girls, accompanied by speech bubbles that appeared to depict conversations or reactions, adding a disturbing layer to the material. These images were discovered on a computer that Law had used at his former residence in Braintree, Essex.

The police investigation was initiated after authorities received information suggesting that Law’s internet connection was being used to access and download illegal images. On May 1 of the previous year, Essex police executed a warrant at Law’s Braintree address. During the search, they seized a laptop which was later examined and found to contain the illicit images. The images included photographs of children that had been sexualized and altered with superimposed heads, as well as speech bubbles indicating enjoyment or consent, which further underscored the disturbing nature of the content. Additionally, some photographs depicted Law himself in the nude, which added to the severity of the case.

In court, the prosecution, led by Mark Lakin, outlined the details of the investigation and the evidence collected. Lakin explained that Law had been engaged in this activity from September 16, 2010, until August 2012, after which he decided to cease his actions. Despite the gravity of the offences, Law pleaded guilty to two counts of downloading child abuse images.

Law’s defense attorney, Stuart Cowen, acknowledged the unusual and disturbing nature of the case but emphasized that Law’s actions were driven by personal gratification and not sophistication. Cowen described Law as generally being a decent member of society apart from this conduct and highlighted that Law had stopped his activities two years prior to the court hearing.

Judge Goldstaub, presiding over the case, expressed a nuanced view of the situation. While acknowledging the shame and embarrassment Law must have experienced, the judge decided against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, Law was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for a year, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences.

Furthermore, the judge ordered Law to participate in an Internet Sex Offenders Treatment Programme and imposed a Sex Offenders Prevention Order to restrict his online activities. As part of the court’s ruling, Law’s name was also to be retained on the Sex Offenders Register for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct.