ROBERT POOLE FROM AUDLEY SENTENCED AFTER DISCOVERY OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES IN POLICE RAID

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Audley, Robert Poole, a 39-year-old resident, was found to be in possession of highly disturbing and illegal images involving children. The investigation was initiated after police executed a search warrant at his home early in the morning on October 28, 2022, at approximately 5:30 am. During the raid, officers seized two electronic devices: a Samsung mobile phone and an Acer laptop. While the laptop was later cleared of any child sexual images following forensic analysis, the mobile phone revealed a far more troubling picture.

Forensic examination of Poole’s mobile device uncovered a total of 78 indecent images of children, which prosecutors described as 'horrible and disgusting.' These images were categorized into different levels of severity, with 23 images classified as Category A, which were no longer accessible on the device at the time of analysis. Additionally, there were 12 images in Category B and 43 in Category C, including five images that were explicitly prohibited due to their extreme nature. The presence of such images highlights the severity of the offense and the disturbing content that Poole had stored on his phone.

Despite having no previous criminal record, Poole faced serious charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children, as well as possessing an extreme pornographic image and other prohibited content. He pleaded guilty to three charges in connection with these offenses. The case was brought before Recorder Julian Taylor, who delivered the sentence in court. Poole was handed a three-year community order, which mandated him to participate in a 25-day rehabilitation program and complete 100 hours of unpaid community service.

The judge emphasized the gravity of the images found on Poole’s device, stating, 'These horrible, disgusting images are out there so people like you can look at them. These are real children suffering disgraceful, horrible behaviour committed on them by adults.' The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) against Poole for a period of five years, restricting his activities and access to certain online content. Furthermore, he was placed on the sex offenders' register for the same duration and ordered to pay costs amounting to £425.

In closing, Recorder Taylor issued a stern warning to Poole, making it clear that any future offenses would lead to imprisonment. He stated unequivocally, 'If you are foolish enough to commit any further offences, you will go to prison.' The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of illegal images of children and protect vulnerable victims from exploitation.