CHRISTIAN MILLER FROM EASTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE COLLECTION IN BRISTOL CROWN COURT

In August 2014, Christian Miller, a resident of Easton, faced serious legal consequences after being found in possession of a vast and disturbing collection of child abuse images. The investigation into Miller's computer was initiated following allegations made by his former partner, which prompted police to conduct a thorough search of his electronic devices.

During the court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, it was revealed that Miller had accumulated a staggering total of 28,230 images classified under the lowest category of child abuse material, specifically labeled as 'erotic posing.' The authorities also discovered that he had deleted approximately 2,839 similar images from his collection. The images included explicit photographs of young girls as young as four years old, and shockingly, among the collection was a photograph depicting acts of bestiality.

Christian Miller, aged 35 and residing on High Street in Easton, pleaded guilty to 13 charges of making indecent images of children and one charge of possessing an extreme pornography image. The court heard that his collection was not only extensive but also indicative of a disturbing pattern of behavior. Judge Michael Longman addressed Miller directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions: "Images of this sort require an audience. Those who chose to become part of the audience contribute to the abuse which is depicted. There was an enormous volume of material and therefore a very large number of victims. You downloaded in bulk; these were not images viewed individually."

In sentencing, Judge Longman ordered Miller to participate in a three-year community order, which includes three years of supervision. Additionally, he was mandated to attend the Thames Valley Sex Offender Programme and to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The court also ordered the destruction of Miller’s offending computer equipment and imposed a fine of £400, payable at a rate of £10 per week to cover court costs.

Prosecutor James Ward highlighted the severity of the case, stating, "Police found Miller had 28,230 child abuse images at the lowest 'erotic posing' category, and he had deleted 2,839 similar images." The court was informed that the collection contained explicit images of very young girls, and Miller had also admitted to possessing a photograph depicting acts of bestiality.

Defense lawyer Timothy Rose acknowledged the significant number of images but emphasized that such figures, regrettably, are not uncommon in similar cases. He explained that Miller had downloaded these files in bulk and had viewed only a small fraction of the images. The court was also told that at the time of his offending, Miller was experiencing an 'extreme bereavement' alongside a relationship breakdown, which contributed to his actions. However, since then, Miller has taken steps to address his behavior and has shown remorse. Rose stated, "He hasn’t sat back and waited to trust his luck in the criminal justice system. He has used this as a catalyst to significant change in his behavior."

Overall, the case underscores the serious nature of possessing and distributing child abuse images, and the court’s sentence reflects the need for both punishment and rehabilitation.