BARRY HARDMAN ST AUSTELL CAUGHT WITH OVER 1000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES BUT ESCAPES JAIL

In a case that has shocked the community of St Austell, Barry Hardman, aged 26, faced the courts after being found in possession of an alarming collection of indecent images of children. The incident came to light when a person hosting Hardman at their home discovered the illicit material on a laptop, prompting immediate police involvement.

Hardman, a resident of Truro Road in St Austell, was charged with eight counts of possessing indecent images of children. During the hearing at Truro Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to all charges, acknowledging the severity of his actions. His frankness during the proceedings was noted by the presiding judge, Christopher Harvey Clarke.

Judge Clarke emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “I do not make the law but I have to enforce it. The law reflects a general perception among ordinary people that indecent images of children are beyond the pale and they shouldn’t be looked at by anybody.” He further expressed his disapproval of such material, describing it as “disgusting” and underscoring that individuals like Hardman must cease such behavior.

The judge offered Hardman an opportunity to participate in a rehabilitation program aimed at preventing future temptations. He highlighted that all such images involve the exploitation of children, a practice that is universally condemned in the county and beyond.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered a significant number of images, with police revealing that 918 were classified as Category A, the most serious type, indicating the highest level of harm and exploitation. Additionally, 611 images fell into Category B, and 233 into Category C, reflecting a broad spectrum of illicit material.

Despite the serious nature of the evidence, Hardman was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, which was suspended for two years. This means he will not serve time immediately but will be under supervision during this period. Furthermore, a sexual harm prevention order has been imposed for ten years, restricting Hardman from using any internet-enabled device that cannot record his browsing history. Law enforcement agencies will retain the right to monitor any devices he uses for online activity during this time.

As part of his rehabilitation, Hardman is required to attend 35 days of sexual offenders treatment and an additional 35 days of rehabilitative programs. The court’s decision aims to balance punishment with the opportunity for reform, but the community remains deeply concerned about the implications of such offenses in St Austell and the wider area.