TREVOR BEST FROM MAIDENBOWER CAUGHT WITH OVER 120,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CRAWLEY AND BURGESS HILL
| Red Rose Database
Maidenbower Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Maidenbower, Crawley, and Burgess Hill, Trevor Best, a 60-year-old man, has been found guilty of possessing and sharing an enormous collection of indecent images and videos depicting children. The investigation into Best’s activities was initiated after police executed a search warrant at his residence on December 17 of the previous year, uncovering a staggering amount of illicit material.
During the search, law enforcement officials seized multiple electronic devices, including computers, laptops, and external hard drives. A thorough examination of these devices revealed that Best had stored over 123,000 indecent images of children, with one particular charge alone citing the possession of 123,111 such photographs. Additionally, investigators discovered a file-sharing program actively used by Best, which facilitated the distribution of these illegal images. When police examined the sharing history, they identified 354 files that appeared to have been shared with other online users, all containing indecent images of children.
The police investigation did not stop at images alone. Officers uncovered videos featuring children aged between eight and twelve, further highlighting the severity of Best’s offending. When questioned after his arrest, Best admitted to having a long-standing interest in viewing indecent images of pre-teen children. He acknowledged that his preferences had developed over several years and stated that he had sought help for his problematic behavior.
Best, a former security guard at Gatwick Airport, pleaded guilty to 12 counts related to the downloading and distribution of indecent images and videos of children. The court was informed that he was unaware at the time that the files he downloaded were being shared with others online, which somewhat mitigated his culpability. His defense argued that Best had a history of troubled relationships and that his initial interest in adult material had escalated to viewing child exploitation content. They emphasized that since his arrest, Best had refrained from accessing such material and was committed to never doing so again.
Judge David Rennie, presiding over the case at Hove Crown Court, acknowledged the gravity of Best’s crimes. He sentenced him to a two-year prison term, which was suspended for two years, meaning Best would not serve time immediately but would be under supervision during this period. As part of his sentence, Best is required to complete a sex offenders treatment program. The judge expressed his hope that Best’s remorse and willingness to seek help would aid in his rehabilitation, but he also warned that if Best failed to complete the program or reoffended, he would be brought back to court for re-sentencing and potentially face immediate imprisonment.
Furthermore, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed to restrict Best’s future activities and protect the community. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £600. The court’s proceedings revealed that Best had lost his job at Gatwick Airport following his arrest and has been unable to secure employment since then. The judge emphasized the need for accountability and the importance of safeguarding children from individuals like Best, who exploit their vulnerabilities for personal gratification.
In a related hearing in December 2014, Best had already pleaded guilty to similar charges, including the possession of over 120,000 images and 338 videos of child abuse. He faced the possibility of jail at that time, with the court ordering pre-sentence reports to assess his suitability for imprisonment. His defense maintained that he was a man of previously good character who was actively seeking help to address his problematic inclinations. Despite these efforts, the court made it clear that the severity of his offenses warranted serious consequences, and the case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and online abuse.
During the search, law enforcement officials seized multiple electronic devices, including computers, laptops, and external hard drives. A thorough examination of these devices revealed that Best had stored over 123,000 indecent images of children, with one particular charge alone citing the possession of 123,111 such photographs. Additionally, investigators discovered a file-sharing program actively used by Best, which facilitated the distribution of these illegal images. When police examined the sharing history, they identified 354 files that appeared to have been shared with other online users, all containing indecent images of children.
The police investigation did not stop at images alone. Officers uncovered videos featuring children aged between eight and twelve, further highlighting the severity of Best’s offending. When questioned after his arrest, Best admitted to having a long-standing interest in viewing indecent images of pre-teen children. He acknowledged that his preferences had developed over several years and stated that he had sought help for his problematic behavior.
Best, a former security guard at Gatwick Airport, pleaded guilty to 12 counts related to the downloading and distribution of indecent images and videos of children. The court was informed that he was unaware at the time that the files he downloaded were being shared with others online, which somewhat mitigated his culpability. His defense argued that Best had a history of troubled relationships and that his initial interest in adult material had escalated to viewing child exploitation content. They emphasized that since his arrest, Best had refrained from accessing such material and was committed to never doing so again.
Judge David Rennie, presiding over the case at Hove Crown Court, acknowledged the gravity of Best’s crimes. He sentenced him to a two-year prison term, which was suspended for two years, meaning Best would not serve time immediately but would be under supervision during this period. As part of his sentence, Best is required to complete a sex offenders treatment program. The judge expressed his hope that Best’s remorse and willingness to seek help would aid in his rehabilitation, but he also warned that if Best failed to complete the program or reoffended, he would be brought back to court for re-sentencing and potentially face immediate imprisonment.
Furthermore, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed to restrict Best’s future activities and protect the community. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £600. The court’s proceedings revealed that Best had lost his job at Gatwick Airport following his arrest and has been unable to secure employment since then. The judge emphasized the need for accountability and the importance of safeguarding children from individuals like Best, who exploit their vulnerabilities for personal gratification.
In a related hearing in December 2014, Best had already pleaded guilty to similar charges, including the possession of over 120,000 images and 338 videos of child abuse. He faced the possibility of jail at that time, with the court ordering pre-sentence reports to assess his suitability for imprisonment. His defense maintained that he was a man of previously good character who was actively seeking help to address his problematic inclinations. Despite these efforts, the court made it clear that the severity of his offenses warranted serious consequences, and the case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and online abuse.