ADAM JAKEWAY CHURCHDOWN HORROR: GLOUCESTERSHIRE MAN AVOIDS PRISON DESPITE CHILD PORN OBSESSION

In August 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Adam Jakeway, a resident of Churchdown in Gloucestershire, who was found to have an extensive and disturbing collection of child exploitation material on his personal devices. The case drew significant attention due to the prolonged period over which he engaged in this illegal activity, spanning nearly a decade.

According to court reports, Jakeway was discovered to have downloaded and viewed a total of 247 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children by adults. His illicit activities came to light after the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in the United States alerted Gloucestershire police about his online behavior. This international tip-off prompted a police investigation that ultimately led to his arrest.

Authorities initially raided his parents' home, but they found that Jakeway was no longer residing there. Following this, law enforcement officials tracked him down to his residence on Grove Road in Churchdown. During the subsequent search, officers uncovered four computers and a mobile phone, all containing material of a highly disturbing nature, including both child pornography and extreme pornography involving animals.

Prosecutor Julian Kesner addressed the court, emphasizing the unusual duration of Jakeway’s offending. He stated, “The unusual feature was the period of time he had been looking and downloading for. It was a nine year period.”

Judge Jamie Tabor QC expressed grave concern about the case, remarking that what was found was likely “just the tip of the iceberg,” suggesting that the extent of Jakeway’s activities could be far more extensive than what was uncovered.

During the court proceedings, Jakeway’s defense attorney, Stephen Ritter, explained that his client had been suffering from loneliness, especially after the death of his grandmother. Ritter stated, “He was very lonely and when his grandmother died, he became even lonelier.”

However, the court was also informed that Jakeway, a bespoke trophy engraver by profession, had experienced a positive change in his personal life after forming a relationship with a woman approximately two years prior. His girlfriend testified in court, describing how their relationship had helped him come out of his shell and engage more with the world. She noted that initially, Jakeway would stay at home, but as their relationship developed, he had begun to experience new activities and social interactions.

Jakeway, aged 28 at the time, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of making indecent photographs of children between November 2004 and November 2013. He also admitted to three counts of creating indecent movies involving children, two counts of possessing indecent photographs and videos, and one count of possessing extreme pornography involving animals.

Judge Tabor faced a difficult decision, weighing the possibility of imprisonment against the chance for rehabilitation. He stated, “I would prefer to give him a chance but if he makes a muck of it, he has got to go to prison.”

Addressing Jakeway directly, the judge remarked, “You are a skilled man and you have a dark secret that you have been hiding for people for a very long time. You became obsessed with looking at images of children being abused by adults.” The judge further reflected on the nature of such offending, suggesting that if Jakeway had encountered similar abuse in real life, he might have intervened, but his consumption of such material contributed to a market that perpetuates the suffering of children.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Jakeway to a nine-month prison term, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to participate in the Thames Valley Sex Offenders Programme, and he will be subject to a Sexual Offenders Prevention Order. Additionally, he will remain on the sex offenders register for five years. The court mandated that he pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £100.

In a move to ensure awareness, the judge also ordered that Jakeway’s girlfriend be provided with a copy of the prevention order, so she is fully informed of the restrictions and conditions imposed on him.