TERENCE PALMER FROM FETCHAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN GUILDFORD

In a case that has shocked the community of Fetcham, Terence Palmer, a 61-year-old resident of Willow Vale, was found to possess a significant collection of indecent images and videos depicting children as young as four years old. Despite the gravity of the material discovered on his computer, Palmer was not sentenced to prison but received a community order instead.

According to court proceedings held at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, March 23, Palmer’s arrest in October of the previous year led to the seizure of his electronic devices, which contained hundreds of illicit images. Among these, ten were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency, and some of the images depicted children in visible pain, a detail that added to the disturbing nature of the case.

Prosecutor Leesha Whawell detailed the findings, emphasizing that the images showed children experiencing discernible pain, with a large number of victims involved. She explained that Palmer had accessed this vile material via the dark web, a hidden part of the internet often used for illegal activities. Whawell noted that Palmer had cooperated fully after his arrest, which may have influenced the court’s decision.

During the hearing, Palmer admitted to three charges: creating ten Category A images, 23 in Category B, and 352 in Category C, all between August 30 and October 20, 2017. He also confessed to using peer-to-peer networks to access the indecent content. Whawell recounted that Palmer initially claimed he was viewing adult pornography, but this gradually shifted to him seeking out images of children. He reportedly felt disgusted with himself, deleting images but then re-searching for similar material repeatedly.

Judge Moss, presiding over the case, expressed his concern over the disturbing nature of the material. He stated, “I have read the pre-sentence report in relation to these offences and I have read the schedule of the nature of this material which is plainly very disturbing. Some of the children were as young as five if not four, and there is apparent pain, an aggravating feature in relation to these offences.” The judge acknowledged Palmer’s frankness about his motivations but emphasized that there was still more work to be done in addressing his issues.

As part of his sentence, Palmer was handed a 24-month community order, which includes a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and fined £3,000 for possessing Category A images, along with £680 in costs and surcharges. Additionally, Palmer’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.