STUART HORN FROM SHEPTON MALLET SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ANIMAL ABUSE

In June 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Stuart Horn, a resident of Shepton Mallet, who was convicted of possessing and downloading a vast array of indecent images and extreme pornography over a span of nine years. The severity and depravity of his actions drew widespread condemnation from the court and the community alike.

Stuart Henry Horn, aged 59 and residing on Draycott Road in Shepton Mallet, admitted to a series of heinous offences that involved the illegal possession of hundreds of indecent images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including some in the most serious Category A classification. These images included graphic content of babies being raped and children being subjected to sexual acts, which he viewed over a period stretching from May 7, 2007, to December 2, 2016.

In addition to the Category A images, Horn also confessed to possessing 149 images classified as Category B and 568 images categorized as Category C, all involving minors. Furthermore, he admitted to possessing 105 extreme pornographic images on December 1, 2016, which depicted explicit acts involving animals, including live or dead creatures, in a manner that was both grotesque and offensive.

Prosecutor Nikki Coombe detailed how police officers responded to reports concerning Horn’s internet activity. Upon arriving at his residence, authorities found Horn to be remarkably candid about his actions. He expressed remorse, stating, “I’m sorry, I’ve been dabbling,” and explained that he could not stop himself from viewing such material. The police observed thumbnail images of children on his computer, which was left open and unlocked at the time of arrest.

Horn was visibly distressed during questioning, tearful and overwhelmed by the situation. He fully admitted to the offences, acknowledging his inability to control his impulses. His frankness and emotional state underscored the gravity of his crimes.

During sentencing, Judge David Ticehurst addressed Horn directly, asking how he would feel if his own young grandson had been subjected to abuse similar to that depicted in the images Horn had downloaded. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting harm inflicted on victims, stating, “The mental and physical scars left on those poor children is incalculable.” He condemned Horn’s actions, describing him as a pervert responsible for perpetuating the abuse of innocent children and animals.

In light of the offences, Horn received a combined sentence of 15 months imprisonment for the Category A images, nine months for Category B, and six months for Category C images. An additional 15 months was imposed for the possession of extreme pornography. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently but were suspended for two years, allowing Horn to avoid immediate custody under strict conditions.

As part of his rehabilitation and monitoring, Horn was mandated to undertake 30 days of therapeutic activities, including a 42-day internet sex offender programme. He was also placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required to register as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £500, reflecting the court’s stance on the seriousness of his crimes.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact such crimes have on victims and society as a whole.