COLIN HARVEY FROM HETHERSETT FLEEING TO THE PHILIPPINES AFTER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES CHARGES

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Colin Harvey, a 65-year-old resident of Hethersett, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in August 2010, when police officers executed a search warrant at his residence on Great Melton Road, Hethersett. During the raid, authorities discovered a total of 656 indecent images stored on Harvey's computer equipment. However, most of these images had been deleted prior to the police intervention, making the evidence somewhat less complete but still incriminating.

Prosecutor Kevin Eastwick explained that despite the deletion of many images, the police were able to identify the remaining material, which confirmed Harvey's involvement in the creation and possession of such illicit content. The case took a complex turn when it was revealed that Harvey, after being released on bail, failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing in June 2011. Instead of facing justice in Britain, Harvey spent the majority of the following year in the Philippines, evading authorities and remaining out of reach.

It was only upon his return to the United Kingdom in November 2012 that Harvey was re-arrested and charged with the offences. The court heard that he had been in the Philippines for most of the time he was on bail, effectively fleeing the country to avoid prosecution. Harvey subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of making and possessing indecent images of children. Since his court appearance on November 23 of the previous year, he has been held in custody.

Representing Harvey, solicitor Ian James stated that the images had been deleted from his client's devices and emphasized that they were not retained for ongoing use or distribution. Despite this, the court took a serious view of the matter, given the nature of the offences and the period during which Harvey was at large.

Judge Mark Lucraft presided over the case and delivered the sentence. He pointed out that Harvey had been at large from June 2011 until his arrest in November 2012, during which time he was predominantly in the Philippines. The judge sentenced Harvey to eight months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning Harvey would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. Additionally, Harvey was ordered to participate in an internet sex offenders programme and placed under 24 months of supervision.

Furthermore, Harvey was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts and monitors his internet activity to prevent further offending. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing oversight of his conduct related to sexual offences. The case underscores the serious legal consequences faced by individuals involved in the creation and possession of child exploitation material, especially when they attempt to evade justice by fleeing abroad.