COLIN JACKSON LECHLADE PAEDOPHILE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DISCOVERY

In a recent development that has shocked the community of Lechlade, Colin Jackson, a 67-year-old resident of Russet Avenue, St John’s Priory, has narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found in possession of child abuse images on his computer. This incident marks the second time Jackson has faced legal action related to such offences, raising serious concerns about ongoing risks and the effectiveness of previous interventions.

Back in 2006, Jackson was sentenced to 18 months in prison after authorities uncovered a significant collection of offensive images stored on his personal computer. As part of his sentence, he was mandated to attend a specialized sex offender course organized by Thames Valley Police. Additionally, he was required to make any device capable of accessing the internet available for police inspection at any time, without prior notice. This condition was put in place to monitor and prevent further offences.

However, despite these measures, authorities conducted a routine spot check on October 31 of the previous year, during which they discovered troubling evidence on Jackson’s devices. Officers found e-books with titles suggestive of child abuse, and subsequent investigations revealed a total of 103 indecent images stored on his machines. The images ranged in severity, with most classified at the lower end of the seriousness scale, but notably, one image was rated at level five—the most severe category indicating the worst kind of material.

Jackson admitted to possessing these images, which depicted children estimated to be between eight and 12 years old, for sexual gratification. Prosecutor Lisa Hennessy explained that while the majority of the images were of lower severity, the presence of the level five image was particularly concerning. Jackson faced five charges related to the possession of these indecent images.

During the court proceedings, Recorder Stephen Hall QC sentenced Jackson to 12 months in jail, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning Jackson would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period. The judge described Jackson’s involvement in such activities as “evil” and emphasized the gravity of his actions. Despite this, the court acknowledged Jackson’s apparent motivation to comply with legal requirements and his willingness to attend a further sex offender course, which was seen as a positive step towards rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the existing sexual offences prevention order was extended. This order stipulates that any device owned by Jackson that can access the internet must never have its usage history deleted, and all such equipment must be available for police inspection at any time. Jackson also admitted during police interviews that he viewed the images for sexual gratification and believed the children depicted were between eight and 12 years old.

Jackson’s defense lawyer, David Maunder, highlighted his client’s cooperation with authorities, describing it as “exceptional.” Maunder added that Jackson was actively working to address his issues, stating, “He says he is working towards trying to deal with the problem. That is the most important step towards rehabilitation that he can take.” Despite the serious nature of the offences, Jackson’s compliance and willingness to seek help were noted as positive signs, though concerns about his ongoing risk to the community remain.