ALAN VIRGO FROM BRIGHTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER DOWNLOADING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES
In a case that has shocked the local community of Brighton, Alan Virgo, a 65-year-old man, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found guilty of downloading a significant number of indecent images of children.The incident came to light after police conducted a search of his residence in October, following a tip-off about his online activities.
Virgo, who resides on Upper Hollingdean Road in Brighton, had been actively involved in accessing illicit material from the internet.
Over a period stretching from February to October of the previous year, he downloaded a total of 152 images, some of which depicted children as young as four years old.
To conceal his online activity, Virgo had installed software on his personal computer designed to hide his IP address, making it more difficult for authorities to trace his visits to these disturbing websites.
The police investigation revealed the disturbing extent of Virgo’s online behavior.
When they seized his computer, they discovered 17 images classified as Category A, the most severe classification, indicating the images involved the most extreme forms of abuse, including penetrative sexual acts with children.
This evidence underscored the seriousness of the case and the potential harm inflicted on the victims depicted in these images.
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court, Virgo pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs of children, which in legal terms refers to the act of downloading such images.
The court heard that Virgo was previously employed as a bereavement services manager at Woodvale Crematorium, working for Brighton and Hove City Council.
He had retired early from his position after being suspended due to his actions related to this case.
It was noted during the proceedings that Virgo had no prior criminal record and had cooperated fully with police during his arrest.
The presiding officer, Mr.
Recorder Brock, acknowledged Virgo’s good character as a mitigating factor but emphasized the gravity of the offense.
He stated, “You know what those categories are and you know the ordeal and suffering those young people are put through for those photos to be taken.
That is why it is such a serious offence.” While acknowledging Virgo’s remorse and cooperation, the judge made it clear that the severity of the Category A images warranted a custodial sentence.
However, due to Virgo’s previous good character and the guilty plea, the court decided to suspend his sentence.
He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offense within that period.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Virgo will be required to register as a sex offender for seven years, comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and participate in an internet sex offenders treatment program.
Furthermore, he will undertake 100 hours of community service as part of his sentence.
The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the crime, balanced against Virgo’s personal circumstances and cooperation during the legal process.
