NO JAIL SENTENCE FOR ERIC MORAES IN RICHMOND CASE OVER CHILD IMAGES

In October 2007, a Brazilian man from Richmond, Eric Moraes, who had viewed images of children engaged in sexual acts, was spared a jail sentence. Moraes, who resides on Kew Road, was handed a three-year supervision order by Richmond Magistrates' Court after magistrates decided against imprisoning him, noting that he had not viewed images depicting an adult involved in sexual activity with a child.

He previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children on his computer during an earlier hearing. The 38-year-old, who has been living in the UK for two years, was also ordered to attend a sexual offender programme and to register as a sex offender for five years. Furthermore, he was barred from undertaking any work or organized activity that would allow contact with anyone under 16.

Lesley Milner, prosecuting, explained that Moraes' mother found the images on the computer and was concerned, which led her to contact a pastor. The pastor spoke with Moraes, who admitted that he accessed child pornography, but only while high on cocaine. Following this, Moraes attended Richmond police station and was subsequently arrested.

Last month, Moraes admitted to possessing the images but claimed they were less serious level two images rather than the more serious level three images. Magistrates examined the images, determined they were level two—meaning they involved acts between two children or a single child—rather than level three images involving adult-child interactions, and therefore sentenced Moraes accordingly.

Martin James, representing Moraes, stated in mitigation that Moraes is a man of previously good character, very diligent in his work, and genuinely remorseful. “He knows he has done wrong,” Mr. James said. “He is aware of the seriousness of the charges and he regrets his actions.”

Moraes was also ordered to pay legal costs of £70.