ANGELO FRANCIS OF NEW ADDINGTON ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE OBSCENE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY COLLECTION

In September 2011, Angelo Francis, of Westcott Close, New Addington, was involved in a case concerning his possession of highly disturbing child pornography. Authorities conducted a surprise police raid at his residence, tracing his identity through his computer’s IP address.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty before Croydon Crown Court to 25 counts related to possessing indecent images, including 10 videos at the most extreme level and 181 at the next highest classification. These images included explicit material involving animals, which Francis had downloaded.

Police executed a search warrant on October 5 of the previous year, seizing his computer and a laptop. Francis readily admitted to downloading the obscene content and cooperated fully with investigators, telling the court that the raid was "the best thing that could have happened to him." He described the material as "repulsive and sickening."

Despite the severity of the offences, the court sentenced him to a three-year community order with a requirement to attend a community sex offenders work group program. Recorder Warwick McKinnon of Croydon stated, "If he is sent to prison he simply will not get any proper treatment to turn him around. He will turn out worse than when he moved in."

He added, "Pornographic and sexual abuse of children was found on your computer, plus bestiality. These are extremely serious offences. To say they are distasteful is an understatement. They are utterly obnoxious to all right-minded people. Some would say you would richly deserve to go to prison today."

Additionally, Francis was issued a five-year Sexual Offenders’ Prevention Order, restricting his internet use to lawful purposes only. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for five years.