STEPHEN SHALJEAN FROM TILLEY JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN READING

In October 2012, a man named Stephen Shaljean, residing in Tilley, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of possessing and viewing a significant number of indecent images of children. The case was heard at Reading Crown Court, where the severity of his actions and the implications for community safety were thoroughly examined.

Shaljean, aged 58 and a former employee at Sunningdale College, was found to have stored and viewed a total of 559 indecent photographs of minors on his personal computer. His criminal activities came to light after authorities uncovered the extent of his online activity, which spanned over a two-year period. During this time, he admitted that his interest in such material was linked to personal issues, including a breakdown in his sex life and feelings of depression.

The court was informed that the images he possessed depicted children ranging from as young as three years old to teenagers in their mid-teens. The majority of these photographs were of pre-pubescent children, highlighting the disturbing nature of his offenses. The images were categorized into different levels of indecency, with one image classified as level five—the most severe—along with 81 images at level four, 50 at level three, eight at level two, and a staggering 419 at level one. These classifications reflect the increasing severity of the content, with level five indicating the most explicit and depraved material.

Shaljean-Tilley's criminal conduct was formally charged on July 24 of the previous year. He subsequently pleaded guilty to five counts of making indecent photographs of children during a court hearing at Slough Magistrates’ Court on August 13. The charges included the creation of one image at level five, 81 at level four, 50 at level three, eight at level two, and 419 at level one, all of which were produced in Ascot on May 24 of the previous year.

Following his conviction, Shaljean-Tillean was subjected to a series of legal sanctions. He was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, which entails ongoing monitoring and restrictions. Additionally, he was prohibited from working with children, a measure aimed at preventing any future harm. A five-year sexual prevention order was also imposed, restricting his activities and contact with minors.

During sentencing, Judge Recorder Prior acknowledged Shaljean-Tilley's early guilty plea, which was taken into account. However, the judge emphasized that a custodial sentence was unavoidable due to the seriousness of the offenses. The court also heard that after the news of his crimes became public, local residents in Sunninghill took action by placing a sign on the front door of his home, reflecting the community’s concern and outrage.

Judge Prior highlighted that the case underscored a broader societal issue, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from exploitation and abuse. The case served as a stark reminder of the ongoing public concern regarding the safety of minors and the need for strict enforcement of laws against such heinous crimes.