DAVID LINNEN FROM STANFORD-LE-HOPE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEX IMAGE SCANDAL

In January 2018, a man from Stanford-le-Hope named David Linnen, aged 65, was spared a prison sentence after admitting to possessing a significant number of indecent images involving children and animals. Linnen, residing on Prospect Avenue in Stanford-le-Hope, faced serious charges related to the possession of these illicit materials, which included three counts of possessing indecent images of children and one count of possessing extreme pornographic images involving animals.

The case came to light after Essex Police initiated an investigation prompted by concerns raised about content found on Linnen’s computer. Following these concerns, authorities seized multiple electronic devices belonging to him for forensic analysis. The police investigation uncovered a disturbing collection of images, including 38 categorized as Category A, which is considered the most severe in terms of content, along with 13 Category B images and seven Category C images. Additionally, officers discovered 187 images that were deemed “grossly offensive” and classified as extreme pornography, depicting acts of intercourse or oral sex with animals.

During sentencing, Judge David Pugh addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the offences. He stated, “These offences are aggravated by the fact that some of the images included were moving images. These offences, particularly those involving children, are not victimless crimes. The reason why children are subjected to this vile abuse is because people like you are prepared to watch it.”

The court also examined Linnen’s online activity, revealing that forensic analysis of his search history included terms such as “pre-teen hard core,” “very young little girl,” and “very young little girl aged eight,” indicating a disturbing interest in very young children.

Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Pugh acknowledged Linnen’s previously good character, noting that he had been of good standing for 64 years prior to this incident. The judge also took into account that Linnen was suffering from depression at the time of the offences. While recognizing the seriousness of the crimes, the judge considered that the number of images in Linnen’s possession was not as high as seen in some other cases. He also noted Linnen’s remorse and his current living situation, which involved not living alone and a willingness to engage in rehabilitation.

In light of these factors, Judge Pugh decided on a somewhat lenient sentence. Linnen was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes the requirement to complete 60 days of rehabilitation activities. Furthermore, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and fined £1,000, with an additional order to pay prosecution costs of £340. The judge warned that failure to comply with the court’s orders could result in Linnen being brought back before the court for resentencing.