WINCHESTER JUDGE DAVID SELWOOD FREED AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN LONDON

In a recent development that has sparked widespread concern, David Selwood, a former Crown Court judge from Winchester, has been granted a 12-month rehabilitation order after admitting to multiple charges related to child pornography. The case was heard at Bow Street Magistrates' Court in London, where Selwood, aged 70, appeared dressed in a pin-striped suit, listening carefully as the proceedings unfolded.

Selwood had stepped down from his position as the resident judge at Portsmouth Crown Court earlier in the month, amid the ongoing investigation. His guilty plea last month included 12 counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing such images. The police had uncovered 75 images depicting naked and semi-naked boys aged between eight and 14 on his personal laptop computer, which served as the basis for the charges.

Senior District Judge Timothy Workman presided over the case and, in his sentencing, emphasized the gravity of the offenses. He decided to impose a community rehabilitation order lasting 12 months, opting not to include a requirement for Selwood to attend a sex offenders' treatment program. Judge Workman explained that he believed the necessary advice and guidance could be effectively provided through regular contact with a probation officer. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the computer and photographs involved, and Selwood was ordered to pay costs amounting to £55.

The court heard that the impact of these offenses had been devastating and humiliating for Selwood and his family. Judge Workman acknowledged Selwood’s early guilty plea and cooperation during police investigations, stating, “He is entitled to credit for pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity and for his co-operation throughout the police investigation.” However, he also emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting that the exploitation and abuse of children are matters of grave concern for the judiciary.

Judge Workman further clarified that the material involved was classified within the least serious category of such offenses, and while the 75 images were not considered a substantial number compared to many similar cases, they had been downloaded over a period of six weeks on multiple occasions. The judge was satisfied that the images were for Selwood’s personal use and not intended for distribution.

It is noteworthy that earlier in 2004, Selwood, from Winchester, had also given a conditional discharge to Professor Christopher Bagley, a renowned expert on child abuse from Sutton, Surrey, who had pleaded guilty to downloading child pornography. Selwood described Bagley as “naive” for accessing indecent images without seeking legal advice, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of these cases.

Overall, the court’s decision reflects a careful balance between recognizing the seriousness of the offenses and considering the circumstances of the individual involved, but it has undoubtedly raised questions and concerns about justice and rehabilitation in cases involving the exploitation of children.