STEVEN REDDALL FROM LUDGERSHALL ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD INDECENT IMAGES CASE AT SALISBURY CROWN COURT

In a case that has shocked the community of Ludgershall, Steven Reddall was brought before Salisbury Crown Court in October 2018 to face serious allegations involving indecent images of young children. Despite the gravity of the charges, Reddall was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment but received a community order that would see him undergo rehabilitation rather than serve time behind bars.

On the day of sentencing, Judge Susan Evans outlined her decision, which was notably lenient given the nature of the offences. Reddall was handed a 24-month community order, a sentence that typically includes punitive measures such as fines or community service. However, in this case, the judge chose to waive these traditional penalties, citing the fact that Reddall had already been ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation, a significantly higher amount than usual for such cases.

The case originated from a police investigation initiated in November 2017, when Wiltshire Police visited Reddall’s residence on Coronation Road in Ludgershall. The officers acted on concerns raised about his online activity, specifically his search history. Forensic analysis of a computer seized from his home revealed that between September 2016 and August 2017, Reddall had downloaded a total of 15 indecent images of children. These images were classified as including four in the most serious category, which involved acts of penetrative sexual activity and sadism, depicting children aged between three and five years old.

During police interviews, Reddall initially claimed that he had downloaded the images unintentionally while attempting to access adult pornography involving teenagers. He stated that upon realizing the images depicted very young children, he deleted them. Nonetheless, the evidence collected by authorities indicated deliberate searches for such material, contradicting his initial account. Prosecutor Richard Wayman emphasized that the forensic evidence confirmed the images were intentionally sought out by Reddall.

Judge Evans addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of the offence. She stated, “The children depicted in these images are real children, suffering real and horrific abuse. You’re the market, you’re the reason why it happens and you bear that responsibility. Make no mistake that this is a very serious offence.”

Although the sentencing guidelines suggested a minimum of one year in custody, the judge decided that Reddall’s focus should be on his rehabilitation. As part of his sentence, Reddall is also required to register as a sex offender for the next five years, a measure intended to protect the community and monitor his activities moving forward.