CONOR HUNTER FROM TORQUAY SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES OFFENSES IN EXETER

In a case that has drawn significant attention, 19-year-old Conor Hunter, a resident of Pendennis Road in Torquay, has been formally placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for a period of five years following his conviction related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children.

The proceedings took place at Exeter Crown Court, where it was revealed that Hunter's offending history dates back to when he was just 15 years old. The court heard that Hunter had admitted to eight counts of making indecent images of children, along with two counts of possessing such images. The investigation uncovered that the images were stored on disks found in his stepfather’s car, which was taken to a garage in November 2009. Police traced these disks back to Hunter, who subsequently admitted to accessing the images on his personal computer.

During the police investigation, a total of 1,671 images were recovered. Most of these images were classified at the lowest level of seriousness, indicating they were less severe in nature but nonetheless illegal and concerning. Prosecutor Nicolas Gerasimides outlined the details of the case, emphasizing Hunter’s early involvement in such activities and the extent of his collection.

In mitigation, Nigel Wraith, representing Hunter, explained that his client had acknowledged that viewing these images had become problematic for him, describing it as “something of an addiction.” Wraith emphasized Hunter’s remorse and the recognition of the severity of his actions.

Judge Stephen O’Malley expressed surprise at the age of the defendant, noting that he could not recall a case involving a defendant as young as Hunter before him. The judge acknowledged the presence of a pre-sentence report that was sympathetic to Hunter, highlighting that he now accepts and understands that these offenses are not victimless.

As part of his sentence, Hunter was given a community order that includes a two-year supervision requirement. Additionally, he is mandated to attend an internet sex offender treatment programme, aimed at addressing his behavior and preventing future offenses. The court’s decision reflects a serious stance on such crimes, emphasizing both punishment and rehabilitation for offenders like Hunter in the Torquay area.