CHRISTIAN CONONO PLEADS GUILTY IN RUGBY: HORRIFIC CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

In July 2016, a disturbing case emerged from Rugby involving Christian Conopo, a 23-year-old man whose actions have sent shockwaves through the local community. Conopo was found guilty of possessing and distributing a significant number of indecent images depicting children, including some of the most severe Category A material, which involves the sexual abuse of very young girls.

According to court records, the investigation was initiated after police received information that an indecent image of a naked, gagged young girl being whipped was uploaded to a social media platform. The image was traced back to an IP address associated with a computer at Conopo’s family home on St Anne’s Road, Rugby. Authorities subsequently seized a laptop and two mobile phones from the residence during a search. The devices contained a disturbing collection of digital material, including 30 movies and six images classified as Category A, the most serious level of child exploitation content. These images depicted young girls subjected to sexual acts, with some involving acts of rape, which prosecutors described as 'disgusting.'

Further examination of Conopo’s internet activity revealed deliberate and systematic searches for images of children, indicating premeditation and intent. When questioned by police, Conopo admitted to creating a fake social media account to access and upload these indecent images. He also confessed that he sometimes received images sent by others, which he claimed he would delete immediately, although he acknowledged that he occasionally forgot to do so.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution highlighted the severity of the case. Prosecutor Ben Gow emphasized that the images and videos found on Conopo’s devices were deeply disturbing, with some depicting the sexual abuse of children in the most heinous manner. The evidence also included a history of searches related to child exploitation, underscoring the systematic nature of his offending.

Conopo’s defense attorney, David Everett, explained that the case had been adjourned previously to allow his client to find suitable accommodation, as recommended in a pre-sentence report. However, Conopo had been unable to secure a residence, and the judge was warned that a custodial sentence was highly likely. Mr. Everett also noted that Conopo had been a victim of abuse himself as a child, though not by a family member, and suggested that his actions might have been a misguided attempt to cope with his past trauma.

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC did not accept this explanation lightly. Addressing Conopo directly, the judge stated, “You were responsible for the downloading, possession, and distribution of a large number of images of children which were indecent. You used another person’s IP address to upload this material, which causes this court concern. Most serious were the Category A images, which describe the rape of very young children. Every time those images are viewed, those abuses are perpetuated.” The judge further expressed his disbelief at Conopo’s claim that he did not derive sexual gratification from viewing such material, asserting that if he had been abused as a child, he should have been opposed to such content, not involved in it.

Ultimately, Conopo was sentenced to two years in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of his offenses and the community’s concern over the proliferation of such disturbing material. Conopo’s actions have not only led to his incarceration but also serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable victims from such heinous crimes.