ALEXANDER KITCHENER FROM TEWKESBURY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES

In June 2015, a disturbing case emerged involving Alexander Kitchener, a 20-year-old resident of Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury, who was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images of children. The investigation revealed that Kitchener had used the popular gay dating platform Grindr to engage in illicit exchanges involving graphic child pornography.

According to court reports, Kitchener operated under the username 'Hey' during these online interactions. During a conversation with another user, he not only shared three indecent images of children but also made shocking claims about his own sexual abuse of an eight-year-old boy. He further expressed a disturbing interest in watching male rape and incest scenarios, revealing a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

Following the report from the other user, police initiated an investigation that lasted eight days. Law enforcement officials traced the online activity back to Kitchener, leading to a raid on his home in Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury. During the search, officers seized his laptop computer, which contained a vast collection of over 900 indecent images and video clips depicting children. The images were categorized into different levels of severity: 240 of the most serious Category A, 195 Category B, and 498 of Category C, the least serious.

Prosecutor Janine Wood highlighted that Kitchener admitted to having a sexual interest in boys, which was evident from the material found on his device. Among the images was a 'selfie' taken by a 12-year-old boy, which Kitchener had obtained without the boy's knowledge, adding to the gravity of his offenses.

During court proceedings at Gloucester Crown Court, Kitchener pleaded guilty to six charges related to the creation of indecent images of children, three charges of distributing such images, and three charges of possession. It was noted that he had no prior criminal convictions.

Defense lawyer Helen Smith explained that Kitchener had been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome following the discovery of his offenses. She stated that he was currently undergoing intensive treatment through the Lucy Faithfull child protection charity, along with other counseling services. Smith emphasized that Kitchener had shown genuine remorse and that his behavior had ceased since his arrest, suggesting that he was beginning to understand the harm caused by his actions.

Judge William Hart addressed Kitchener directly, acknowledging his young age and the difficulties he faced. The judge expressed hope that with proper support and intervention, Kitchener could lead a productive life and even pursue further education at a reputable university. The judge also noted that the detection and investigation of these crimes had, in some ways, been beneficial for Kitchener's future.

Ultimately, Kitchener was sentenced to a 10-month prison term, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to participate in a 70-session supervision program, to sign the sex offender register for seven years, and to comply with a five-year sexual harm prevention order that restricted his use of computers. Judge Hart concluded by stating, “Many people who admit these offenses are genuinely bad, but I don’t think you are. Time will tell.”