AARON RAYNER FROM AYLESFORD AND TROWBRIDGE JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Trowbridge and Aylesford, Aaron Rayner, aged 27, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and making indecent images of children, as well as possessing prohibited and extreme pornography. The investigation into Rayner's activities was initiated after police uncovered disturbing evidence on his computer during a raid at his Trowbridge residence in April 2012.

Rayner, who is now residing at Mackenders Close, Eccles, Aylesford, initially attempted to explain the presence of the illicit material on his device with a series of implausible stories. He claimed that he had accidentally opened the images and videos, which he received along with adult pornography, and that he subsequently deleted them. According to Rayner, a virus then mysteriously 'recreated' the images shortly before the police arrived, which he argued explained their reappearance on his computer.

However, after consulting with expert witnesses, Rayner changed his plea and admitted to the charges of downloading and possessing the illegal material. Prosecutor Claire Marlow told Swindon Crown Court that police, acting on intelligence related to peer-to-peer file sharing, arrested Rayner in April 2012. A detailed examination of his computer revealed a staggering 2,418 images and videos depicting child abuse. Some of these files were stored in password-protected folders, including one labeled 'paedo.'

The material found on his device was not limited to photographs and videos of children being abused; it also included a large collection of cartoon images depicting similar acts, as well as disturbing content involving adults with animals. During questioning, Rayner maintained his innocence regarding the downloading of the material, reiterating his story about accidental acquisition and deletion.

Defense lawyer Marcus Davey highlighted that Rayner suffers from autism spectrum disorder and dyspraxia, which he suggested might have contributed to his delayed acceptance of responsibility. He also noted that it had been two years since Rayner's arrest, during which he had experienced depression and distress over the ongoing legal proceedings.

Judge Tim Mousley QC addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of the case. He stated, “The least said about the nature of the material the better. What is of greater importance in this case is the fact that you went on with this activity over a significant period of time and it was prolonged and it went on until your computer was seized by the police. Some might say your attitude towards the police on these allegations show a degree of arrogance. What is clear to me is you wanted to look at images of children being raped and you paid for and stored material that showed bestiality. Plainly you hoped to evade detection, investigation and prosecution.”

Rayner's actions have led to a serious criminal conviction, reflecting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child abuse material, and highlighting the disturbing reality of such offenses in communities across the UK.