ALAN HANNABY FROM SHEERNESS JAILED FOR CHILD INDECENCY OFFENCES IN MAIDSTONE

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Sheerness, Alan Hannaby, a 51-year-old resident of Ranelagh Road, was sentenced to more than three years in prison following his conviction on multiple serious charges related to the exploitation of children.

The proceedings took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where Hannaby pleaded guilty to a total of 20 offences. These included 10 counts of distributing indecent images of children and an equal number of charges for creating such images. The court heard how these offences were committed over a period leading up to his arrest, highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior.

The investigation into Hannaby’s activities was initiated after police executed a search warrant at his residence on December 22, 2008. The authorities acted swiftly following intelligence that suggested illegal activity was taking place within his home. During the search, law enforcement officers seized various computer equipment and digital storage devices.

Subsequent forensic analysis conducted by Kent Police’s digital forensics unit uncovered a disturbing collection of material. The evidence included a total of 2,356 indecent images of children, categorized across levels one through five, indicating varying degrees of severity and explicitness. Additionally, investigators found eight movies, also rated across the same spectrum of severity.

The court was informed that Hannaby’s criminal record included prior convictions for indecent assault on two women or girls, as well as charges of inciting gross indecency and gross indecency, all dating back to 1995. These previous convictions underscored a long-standing pattern of offending behavior.

In sentencing, the judge imposed a term of three and a half years of imprisonment. Hannaby was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register, a measure designed to monitor his activities and prevent further harm to the community.

Senior investigating officer Detective Constable Mark Tyler commented on the case, emphasizing the ongoing threat Hannaby posed. “Hannaby has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a danger to children,” he stated. “His distribution of images of children being abused serves to encourage further abuse and continues to victimise vulnerable children featured in the pictures.”