BRANDON BELANGER PLYMOUTH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL SHOCKS LOCAL COMMUNITY
In July 2013, a disturbing case emerged from Plymouth involving Brandon Belanger, a 27-year-old man whose name became synonymous with a grave criminal offense.Belanger, residing on Alexandra Road in the Mutley area, was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images of children, totaling over 1,300 photographs.
The severity of his actions was underscored during his court appearance at Plymouth Crown Court, where Judge Paul Darlow described the viewing of such images as 'horrendous.' Judge Darlow emphasized the profound psychological impact these images have on those who are tasked with examining them professionally, noting the 'dead look in their eyes' that signifies the lasting trauma such work inflicts.
He further implored the court to consider the perspective of a parent, asking, 'Give a moment’s thought to what you would do to a man looking at images of your child.' During the proceedings, it was revealed that Belanger had admitted to possessing six charges of indecent images, making two offenses related to creating such images, and possessing three instances of extreme pornographic material.
The police investigation uncovered that among the 1,369 images, some depicted infants, with nine classified in the most severe category of abuse.
The extreme pornography also involved animals, adding another disturbing layer to the case.
The authorities acted swiftly, executing a warrant at Belanger’s residence, where they seized his computer equipment.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Belanger did not deny viewing the child abuse images; instead, he admitted to the act and claimed to have deleted some of the images.
It was also disclosed that he had sent certain images to strangers, although the exact number and nature of these transmissions remain unclear.
Belanger’s defense, represented by Mackenzie Robinson, argued that only a small number of files remained on his devices and that most had been deleted.
Robinson highlighted Belanger’s honesty with police and others, acknowledging the shame he now bears.
Despite the gravity of his offenses, the court opted for a relatively lenient sentence, handing Belanger a 16-month prison term, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he is required to undertake a specialized course for internet sex offenders and will be under probation supervision.
Earlier in June 2013, Belanger had pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children and animals at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
He faced 11 charges, including three related to animals and nine involving children at the most serious Level 5 category.
The total number of images he admitted to possessing was 1,365, spanning Levels 1 through 4, with 95 images of children at Level 1.
The case was subsequently committed to the Crown Court for sentencing, and Belanger was granted unconditional bail until July 12, when he was scheduled for sentencing and ordered to register as a sex offender immediately.
