TILBURY LORRY DRIVER STEVEN PAUL KERLEY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Steven Paul Kerley, a lorry driver from Tilbury, was found to have downloaded and possessed indecent images of children. The incident came to light during a police raid on his residence located in Shelley Place, Tilbury, on September 20, 2006. Authorities uncovered a collection of illicit material on Kerley's computer, along with a disc marked with an 'X', which he claimed was intended as a reminder to destroy the contents.

Kerley, aged 37 and a married father of one, admitted to the possession of these images during his court hearing. The police investigation revealed that the images ranged in severity, with 62 images classified at level one, three at level two, and two at level three, with level five representing the most serious category. The images were discovered after the police executed a search warrant at his home, raising concerns about the extent of his involvement with such material.

At Basildon Crown Court, Judge Christopher Mitchell addressed the case with a tone of seriousness but also acknowledged the circumstances presented by Kerley's defense. The judge noted that Kerley claimed he downloaded the images unintentionally while using a file-sharing website called LimeWire, which is known for sharing music and adult content. Kerley argued that the disc marked with an 'X' was meant as a reminder to himself to delete the material, suggesting a lack of malicious intent.

In his sentencing, Judge Mitchell decided to impose a conditional discharge on Kerley, meaning he would not serve time in prison but would be subject to certain conditions. Additionally, Kerley was ordered to pay £1,000 in court costs and to register as a sex offender for a period of 12 months. The judge emphasized that Kerley's guilty plea was based on the assertion that he was unaware of the nature of the images when he downloaded them. The court also heard that Kerley had previously pleaded guilty to eight counts of making indecent images of children and possessing 59 such images.

Judge Mitchell further ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the computer equipment and disc involved in the case, underscoring the court's stance on the matter. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the court's decision reflected a recognition of the circumstances and Kerley's lack of intent to seek out such material deliberately. The case highlights the complexities involved in cases of child pornography possession, especially when the defendant claims unintentional involvement.