ALAN RICHARDS FROM PORTHLEVEN AVOIDS PRISON DESPITE HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE PICTURES AND PERVERTED ONLINE PLOTS

In February 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Alan Richards, a 62-year-old resident of Wellington Road in Porthleven, who was found guilty of heinous crimes related to child exploitation and online indecency. Richards appeared before Truro Crown Court to face sentencing after admitting to multiple serious charges, including three counts of creating indecent images of children, distributing such images, and engaging in voyeurism.

Prosecutor Ramsay Quaife detailed the disturbing circumstances leading to Richards' arrest. In September 2019, Richards engaged in an online conversation with an individual he believed was a fellow predator. Unbeknownst to him, this individual was an undercover police operative working to infiltrate and apprehend online paedophiles. During this exchange, Richards explicitly expressed his desire to sexually abuse children, claiming he had two daughters aged six and nine. He went further to state that he was willing to drug and rape his own daughters, revealing a deeply disturbing mindset.

Richards also sent an image of a naked girl, whom he falsely claimed was his daughter, and inquired whether he could meet the undercover operative’s daughter for similar abuse. This exchange highlighted the extent of his depravity and intent. Following these revelations, police executed a search warrant at Richards’ home, seizing multiple electronic devices. These devices contained hundreds of graphic images and videos depicting children in pain, crying, and being raped, illustrating the severity of his involvement in child exploitation.

In addition to the images, Richards was charged with voyeurism. Evidence showed that his online search history was riddled with terms related to rape, and he had secretly recorded a woman’s skirt in a shop while speaking to her, further demonstrating his predatory behaviour.

During sentencing, Recorder Simon Levene addressed Richards directly, condemning his actions. He stated, “You are part of an international mafia that causes untold happiness to children. You are a consumer, not a producer. You have acknowledged what you have done, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and taken steps to address your behaviour.” The judge emphasized that individuals like Richards, who admit guilt and show remorse, have a better chance of rehabilitation compared to those who deny their actions. The court was advised that the likelihood of rehabilitation increases when offenders cooperate and accept responsibility.

Following the recommendations of the Probation Service, Recorder Levene sentenced Richards to a two-year community order. This included participation in a treatment programme aimed at addressing his deviant behaviour, rather than imprisonment. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the importance of holding offenders accountable, even when they avoid custodial sentences despite the severity of their crimes.