CHRIS LANGHAM CRANBROOK CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCE SHOCKS COMMUNITY
| Red Rose Database
Cranbrook Sexual Abuser
In September 2007, renowned actor Chris Langham, known for his roles in comedy dramas such as Help and The Thick Of It, faced a severe legal verdict at Maidstone Crown Court that sent shockwaves through his community and the entertainment industry alike.
Langham, who resides in Golford, Kent, was convicted on 15 charges related to the possession and download of indecent videos featuring children. The court heard that some of these videos depicted the most horrific forms of abuse, with images that were described as of a 'horrific level' by the presiding judge, Philip Statman.
During the sentencing, Langham, aged 58, was given a custodial term of 10 months. However, considering the 43 days he had already spent in custody, he was to serve an additional five months in prison. The actor was visibly emotional as he received his sentence, tears welling in his eyes in the courtroom.
Judge Statman emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating that some of the children depicted in the videos were as young as eight years old, with others aged between 11 and 13. The judge also noted that some of the children appeared to be of Filipino descent. The judge made it clear that the children involved had been subjected to horrifying sexual abuse and underscored that they were too young to give consent.
He further remarked that Langham’s activities took place within the supposed safety of his own home, where he likely believed he would never be caught. The arrest came in November 2005, after police discovered video files stored on a computer, a laptop, and an external hard drive at his residence in Cranbrook.
During the trial, Langham admitted to viewing the videos but maintained a plea of not guilty, citing his intent to research a character for his role in Help. He claimed that the downloads occurred between September and November 2005 and were part of his research process, not an act of malicious intent.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fotheringham provided insight into the case, stating that the number of images—fifteen—was relatively low compared to other cases police have handled, some involving hundreds of thousands of images. He described the most disturbing video as a 15-minute-long clip that graphically depicted the sadistic brutalization of an eight-year-old girl in the UK, with serious sexual offenses committed against her.
Fotheringham emphasized that there is no justification for downloading or viewing child sex abuse images. He explained that the high-quality videos found on Langham’s devices depicted real children in actual abusive situations, which fuels demand and perpetuates ongoing abuse worldwide, including children from Kent.
In a court statement, Langham’s wife, Chrisse, expressed her shock and disappointment over the charges. She recounted their discussions about the case, her anger at his perceived stupidity and thoughtlessness, and her belief that Langham was capable of punishing himself more than anyone else could. She also shared that their children miss him terribly and believe he would never hurt anyone. The family has endured significant suffering over the past two years and now seeks the chance to rebuild their lives together.
It is noteworthy that Langham was acquitted of other serious charges, including indecent assault of an underage girl and two counts of a sexual offense, but the conviction related to child pornography remains a stark reminder of the severity of his actions.
Langham, who resides in Golford, Kent, was convicted on 15 charges related to the possession and download of indecent videos featuring children. The court heard that some of these videos depicted the most horrific forms of abuse, with images that were described as of a 'horrific level' by the presiding judge, Philip Statman.
During the sentencing, Langham, aged 58, was given a custodial term of 10 months. However, considering the 43 days he had already spent in custody, he was to serve an additional five months in prison. The actor was visibly emotional as he received his sentence, tears welling in his eyes in the courtroom.
Judge Statman emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating that some of the children depicted in the videos were as young as eight years old, with others aged between 11 and 13. The judge also noted that some of the children appeared to be of Filipino descent. The judge made it clear that the children involved had been subjected to horrifying sexual abuse and underscored that they were too young to give consent.
He further remarked that Langham’s activities took place within the supposed safety of his own home, where he likely believed he would never be caught. The arrest came in November 2005, after police discovered video files stored on a computer, a laptop, and an external hard drive at his residence in Cranbrook.
During the trial, Langham admitted to viewing the videos but maintained a plea of not guilty, citing his intent to research a character for his role in Help. He claimed that the downloads occurred between September and November 2005 and were part of his research process, not an act of malicious intent.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fotheringham provided insight into the case, stating that the number of images—fifteen—was relatively low compared to other cases police have handled, some involving hundreds of thousands of images. He described the most disturbing video as a 15-minute-long clip that graphically depicted the sadistic brutalization of an eight-year-old girl in the UK, with serious sexual offenses committed against her.
Fotheringham emphasized that there is no justification for downloading or viewing child sex abuse images. He explained that the high-quality videos found on Langham’s devices depicted real children in actual abusive situations, which fuels demand and perpetuates ongoing abuse worldwide, including children from Kent.
In a court statement, Langham’s wife, Chrisse, expressed her shock and disappointment over the charges. She recounted their discussions about the case, her anger at his perceived stupidity and thoughtlessness, and her belief that Langham was capable of punishing himself more than anyone else could. She also shared that their children miss him terribly and believe he would never hurt anyone. The family has endured significant suffering over the past two years and now seeks the chance to rebuild their lives together.
It is noteworthy that Langham was acquitted of other serious charges, including indecent assault of an underage girl and two counts of a sexual offense, but the conviction related to child pornography remains a stark reminder of the severity of his actions.