SHAUN HIGLETT FROM DOWNHAM MARKET AND ROYSTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL MATERIAL INVOLVING NINE-MONTH-OLD IN CAMBRIDGE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Downham Market and Royston, Shaun Higlett, a 54-year-old telecom engineer, was found to possess a collection of indecent images and videos depicting children, including a highly disturbing video involving a nine-month-old baby. The case was brought to light after police executed a search warrant at Higlett's previous residence in Royston in May 2016, uncovering material that has raised serious concerns about his conduct and the safety of vulnerable children.

Higlett, who resides on Willow Road in Downham Market, pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent images during a hearing at Stevenage Magistrates' Court on February 8. Due to the gravity of the charges, the case was transferred to Cambridge Crown Court for sentencing. On March 8, the court handed down a sentence of 12 months in prison, which was suspended for two years, meaning Higlett will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period.

In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Higlett was ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid community work. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for a decade and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), which restricts his use of the internet and online devices for the next ten years. These measures are intended to prevent any further access to or distribution of harmful material and to monitor his activities closely.

The court was informed that between April 3, 2009, and March 23, 2016, Higlett possessed a total of six Category A images and four Category A videos of children. Among these was a particularly disturbing video involving a nine-month-old infant, alongside other images and clips featuring children no older than 12 years. The police also found three Category B images, eight Category B videos, two Category C images, and two Category C videos in his possession.

Prosecutor John Farmer explained that the police executed a search warrant at Higlett’s Royston address in May 2016, during which they discovered the illicit material stored on a memory stick belonging to him. During questioning, Higlett reportedly expressed surprise at the small quantity of images found, expecting to see thousands on the device. Further investigation revealed that Higlett’s computer was equipped with software designed to automatically delete or hide such images, complicating efforts to track his activities.

In sentencing, Recorder Timothy Green emphasized the seriousness of the case, describing it as “of considerable gravity.” He highlighted the disturbing nature of the material, noting that it involved very young children, including a nine-month-old baby. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the offense and the ongoing concern for the safety and well-being of children who could be victimized by such material.