SUSAN ROBB FROM SALTDEAN ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN SUSSEX

In a landmark case within Sussex, Susan Robb, a woman residing in Saltdean, has narrowly avoided imprisonment after being prosecuted for possessing and downloading child pornography. The case drew significant attention as she became the first woman in Sussex to face such charges.

Police officers executed a raid on Robb’s residence on April 24 of the previous year, seizing her computer equipment as part of their investigation. The authorities uncovered five images described as 'horrifically graphic' depicting children being subjected to abuse. These images were found on her computer during the search, raising serious concerns about her involvement in the distribution or possession of illegal material.

Despite the gravity of the evidence, the court heard that Robb’s actions were motivated by her personal struggles. She was a 48-year-old nursing assistant living on Chichester Drive East in Saltdean. The judge, David Rennie, acknowledged the disturbing nature of the images but also recognized Robb’s unique circumstances. He stated that her case was 'unique and exceptional,' noting that her intent was not rooted in sexual gratification but rather in attempting to cope with her own traumatic past. The judge emphasized that Robb had experienced serious personal problems early in life, which contributed to her current mental health struggles.

Initially, Robb had denied five counts of making indecent images of children under 16, claiming that her actions were not for perverted sexual reasons. She had been advised by her legal counsel to maintain her innocence. However, after further legal consultation, she changed her plea to guilty during her appearance at Hove Crown Court.

Prosecutor John Price explained that Sussex Police, utilizing powers granted under the Child Protection Act, conducted the raid based on intelligence provided by Greater Manchester Police, who had the capability to monitor internet chat rooms. The investigation revealed that Robb had downloaded the images from the internet, which led to her charges.

In her defense, Paul Brooks, representing Robb, highlighted her previously good character and urged the court to consider her personal circumstances. He requested leniency, emphasizing her efforts to seek professional help to address her issues.

Judge Rennie ultimately decided to conditionally discharge Robb for three years, meaning she would not serve time in prison but would be under supervision. Additionally, he ordered her to register as a sex offender for five years and to pay prosecution costs amounting to £830. The judge remarked on her case, stating, 'You have had serious personal problems in your early life, as a result of which you have struggled to slay certain demons.'

As Robb left the court, she expressed her perspective, stating, 'The judge accepted I did not have the images for reasons of perverted sexual gratification. I was trying to work through personal issues which I have received a lot of expert help to deal with.'

Detective Constable Mike Parkinson, who led the investigation, commented on the case’s significance, noting that Sussex Police had been alerted to Robb’s activities by colleagues from Greater Manchester Police, who possess specialized monitoring capabilities for internet chat rooms. He emphasized that this case marked a first for Sussex Police in prosecuting a woman for downloading indecent images of children, underscoring its uniqueness and the serious nature of the offense.