CHRISTOPHER ROWINSKI FROM HIGH WYCOMBE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY

In a case that has shocked the community of High Wycombe, a local businessman named Christopher Rowinski has narrowly avoided a prison sentence after authorities uncovered a significant collection of child pornography on his personal computer. The incident, which came to light in August 2004, revealed that nearly 2,000 indecent images of children were stored on his device, prompting a serious legal response.

Rowinski, aged 28 and residing on Carrington Road in High Wycombe, appeared before Aylesbury Crown Court to face charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography. During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that he owned a small courier business, which he operated alongside his fiancée. The court heard that in addition to the extensive collection of images, there were six video clips stored on his hard drive, further illustrating the extent of his involvement in this illegal activity.

Judge Roger Connor addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of such offences. He stated, "I am sure by now I don’t have to tell you why it is that society and the courts regard offences of this nature as serious. No one can make an indecent photograph of a child without corrupting that child. You had no direct contact with any child and were not party to the making of the photographs but by downloading these images you were promoting that evil trade."

The prosecution, led by Sonia Kalsi, explained that Rowinski had downloaded the images approximately five years prior from an American child pornography website. The investigation was initiated in May of the previous year when police officers executed a search warrant at his residence. During the search, they seized his computer equipment, which contained a total of 1,950 indecent images of children.

When questioned by law enforcement, Rowinski admitted to downloading the images but claimed that his interest was driven by curiosity rather than any intent to exploit children. Despite this, the court recognized the serious nature of his actions and the potential harm caused by such material.

In considering his circumstances, Judge Connor took into account that Rowinski’s fiancée was ill at the time and that his business could have faced significant financial and reputational damage had he been imprisoned. Ultimately, Rowinski pleaded guilty to 15 counts of making an indecent image of a child. The court sentenced him to 15 six-month prison terms for each count, but these sentences were ordered to run concurrently and were suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £500.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the possession of child pornography and the importance of strict legal measures to combat such offences, especially within communities like High Wycombe where residents are now grappling with the implications of this disturbing discovery.