STEPHEN ROGERS FROM SALISBURY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SHARING CHILD SEX IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the Salisbury community, Stephen Rogers, a 44-year-old former cleaner residing on Roman Road, was found to possess an extensive collection of child abuse images and videos, some of which he shared online. The investigation revealed that over a span of four years, Rogers downloaded a staggering total of 848 files, including 269 of the most serious category A images depicting the most heinous forms of child exploitation.

Authorities traced Rogers’ online activity to his Twitter account, where he shared 15 images, predominantly classified as category C, with other users. During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Rogers had added personal comments to some of the images, revealing disturbing fantasies about abusing children. Prosecutor Tessa Hingston detailed that Rogers’ comments included remarks such as, “I can’t wait to get my little sister’s school friends round tomorrow, they do dress a bit like this. Yum yum,” which was considered particularly repulsive.

Further investigation uncovered that Rogers’ Twitter profile explicitly stated his attraction to young boys and girls, along with a desire to exchange such images. His internet browsing history also revealed searches related to hardcore pornography involving pre-teen children, underscoring the severity of his offending.

On November 15, police executed a raid on Rogers’ residence, leading to his immediate arrest. During police interviews, Rogers admitted to the allegations fully, providing no denial of his actions. The case was brought before Salisbury Crown Court, where Judge Richard Parkes presided over the sentencing.

Judge Parkes described the images as “repulsive,” depicting children aged between two and twelve years old subjected to dreadful acts. He emphasized that some images were accompanied by commentary that was “frankly appalling,” indicating that Rogers harbored disturbing sexual fantasies involving young children.

While acknowledging the gravity of Rogers’ crimes, the judge noted that he was suitable for sex offender treatment, which influenced his decision to avoid immediate imprisonment. Judge Parkes explained that incarcerating Rogers for a sufficient period to complete a two-year treatment program was not feasible within the prison system. Instead, he sentenced Rogers to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, coupled with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. The judge warned Rogers that this order was “a sword hanging by a thin thread,” implying that any future offending could lead to severe consequences.

Overall, the court’s decision aimed to balance the need for punishment with the hope of rehabilitation, reflecting the serious nature of Rogers’ offenses and the potential for treatment to prevent further harm.