STEVE PICKETT FROM FRESHBROOK SENTENCED IN SWINDON FOR ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Freshbrook and the wider Swindon area, Steven Pickett, aged 31, was sentenced to more than four years in prison following a series of disturbing allegations involving abuse, fetish-related activities, and possession of indecent images of children.

Pickett's criminal activities came to light after police conducted a search of his residence in Freshbrook, where they uncovered a disturbing collection of fetish and medical equipment. Among the items seized were a TENS machine, typically used for pain relief through electrical stimulation but also capable of inflicting pain, along with syringes, metal and leather gags, electrodes, and even a laryngoscope, a device normally used by medical professionals to examine the airways. These items pointed to a pattern of sadomasochistic practices that involved the use of force and control.

The court heard that Pickett had exerted dominance over his partner, Miss Robinson, during their three-year relationship. Evidence presented revealed that he had subjected her to various forms of punishment, including injecting her with a hypodermic needle six times in her lips, an act that caused her significant distress. His methods of punishment extended to forcing her to take baths while he watched, and compelling her to smoke cigarettes through her nose, actions that demonstrated a disturbing level of control and abuse.

Prosecutor George Threlfall described the case as one involving fetishes, emphasizing that Pickett’s partner, who has mild learning difficulties, was subjected to a system of punishments devised by him for perceived wrongdoings, whether real or imagined. The court was told that in November of the previous year, after her mother visited them, Pickett launched a violent attack on Miss Robinson. He reportedly disliked her family and was concerned about her welfare. During this incident, he demanded she take a bath and, as they crossed the landing, threatened to throw her down the stairs because she was pregnant. He also struck her in the stomach with a telephone directory and continued to punish her with injections in her lips.

Miss Robinson managed to persuade Pickett to leave for work the following morning and subsequently contacted authorities for help. Police responded by searching their home in Anstey Walk, where they discovered further evidence of their disturbing activities, including fetish items and a collection of indecent images of children. Two computers seized contained a total of 3,282 such images, depicting sadism and serious sexual acts involving minors.

During the trial, defense counsel Stephen Bevan explained that the images of child pornography had been downloaded and viewed by Pickett towards the end of 2000, a period shortly after he had experienced a traumatic armed robbery and street robbery while working in a bank. Bevan described Pickett as a man who had been bullied and dominated throughout his school years, suggesting that these experiences may have contributed to his current psychological state.

Pickett’s relationship with Miss Robinson began through an internet chatroom, and it was characterized by tumultuous episodes, including periods of depression on his part. While some sexual activities between them were consensual, the court heard that Pickett was aware that there were instances where Miss Robinson submitted rather than freely consented to certain acts.

Ultimately, Steven Pickett was sentenced to a total of four years and three months in prison. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from contacting his victim or any of her children until further notice from the court. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Freshbrook and highlights the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of abuse and exploitation.