SIMON ROSS FROM ASHFORD JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DOWNLOADS DESPITE COURT ORDERS

SIMON ROSS FROM ASHFORD JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DOWNLOADS DESPITE COURT ORDERS

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about online child exploitation, Simon Ross, a 42-year-old resident of Ashford, has been sentenced to prison after repeatedly accessing and downloading illegal images of child abuse despite being under strict court-imposed restrictions.

Back in November 2019, Ross was subjected to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) following his guilty plea to charges related to the creation and possession of indecent photographs.

This court order was specifically designed to limit his internet activity and prevent further offenses.

However, despite these legal restrictions, Ross continued to access prohibited material, raising serious questions about compliance and enforcement.

In December 2019, Kent Police officers conducted a routine check at Ross’s residence on Simons Avenue in Ashford to verify his adherence to the court order.

During this inspection, law enforcement officials discovered a troubling cache of illegal content stored on his laptop.

The officers found more than 500 images that were classified as prohibited under the law, along with 32 images categorized at the level of C, indicating a significant degree of severity and concern.

Following this discovery, Ross was promptly arrested and subsequently charged with possession of prohibited images and the creation of indecent images of a child.

He did not contest the charges, admitting to the offenses during legal proceedings.

His case was brought before Canterbury Crown Court, where he appeared on Friday, July 17, 2020.

During the court hearing, Ross was sentenced to a prison term of two years and ten months.

Recognizing the ongoing risk posed by his actions, the court also imposed a new 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his release.

This additional order aims to further restrict his access to the internet and prevent any future attempts to view or download illegal material, underscoring the seriousness with which the justice system treats such violations and the protection of vulnerable children.