ERROL FRIEND FROM TEDDINGTON FREED FROM COURT AFTER CHILD PORN OFFENCE IN KINGSTON
| Red Rose Database
Teddington Sexual Abuser
In October 2011, a 48-year-old man named Errol Friend from Fulwell Road, Teddington, was sentenced after being convicted of possessing child pornography. He was ordered to participate in a 60-day internet sex offender’s programme, and his overall sentence was nine months imprisonment suspended for one year.
Friend faced 13 counts related to making indecent images of children, totaling 423 images. During his week-long trial, he claimed he had no idea how these images came to be on his computer. Nonetheless, the jury at Kingston Crown Court found him guilty on Wednesday, September 28.
At his sentencing, Judge Richard Southwell emphasized the gravity of the images, stating: "The evil in these images — and it hardly needs me to tell you — stems from the fact that children were required [through] corruption or coercion for the photos to be taken in the first place, and that is a revolting thought for any right-minded person."
He continued, "By making these images on any computer, it must follow that people doing so create a demand for that contact, which is obviously harmful and probably dangerous for the young children involved."
The judge also noted Friend’s willingness to participate in a sex offenders’ programme focused on the internet, saying: "Despite you having contested charges, your readiness to take part in the sex offenders’ programme directed at the internet does demonstrate to me your remorse and that you are now prepared to address [the issue]."
Detective Constable Tracy Harrison, who led the investigation, highlighted the seriousness of the case, stating: "In cases such as this, we must remember that every image represents a child who has been abused in order that the image may exist."
During the trial, evidence presented included a police raid on Friend’s home on August 5, 2009, which uncovered Google searches for phrases like “raping little girls” and “pregnant pre-teen”. Authorities found photographs under the usernames Errol or Errol F, depicting children in sexually explicit poses, along with three images showing "sadism between children and adults."
Friend’s defense lawyer, Neil Ross, referenced his client’s "positive character" and reiterated that Friend continued to deny the allegations.
As part of his sentence, Friend is required to follow a one-year supervision order managed by the probation service, and he must complete a one-to-one internet sex offender’s programme. Additionally, he has been registered on the sex offenders’ register.
Friend faced 13 counts related to making indecent images of children, totaling 423 images. During his week-long trial, he claimed he had no idea how these images came to be on his computer. Nonetheless, the jury at Kingston Crown Court found him guilty on Wednesday, September 28.
At his sentencing, Judge Richard Southwell emphasized the gravity of the images, stating: "The evil in these images — and it hardly needs me to tell you — stems from the fact that children were required [through] corruption or coercion for the photos to be taken in the first place, and that is a revolting thought for any right-minded person."
He continued, "By making these images on any computer, it must follow that people doing so create a demand for that contact, which is obviously harmful and probably dangerous for the young children involved."
The judge also noted Friend’s willingness to participate in a sex offenders’ programme focused on the internet, saying: "Despite you having contested charges, your readiness to take part in the sex offenders’ programme directed at the internet does demonstrate to me your remorse and that you are now prepared to address [the issue]."
Detective Constable Tracy Harrison, who led the investigation, highlighted the seriousness of the case, stating: "In cases such as this, we must remember that every image represents a child who has been abused in order that the image may exist."
During the trial, evidence presented included a police raid on Friend’s home on August 5, 2009, which uncovered Google searches for phrases like “raping little girls” and “pregnant pre-teen”. Authorities found photographs under the usernames Errol or Errol F, depicting children in sexually explicit poses, along with three images showing "sadism between children and adults."
Friend’s defense lawyer, Neil Ross, referenced his client’s "positive character" and reiterated that Friend continued to deny the allegations.
As part of his sentence, Friend is required to follow a one-year supervision order managed by the probation service, and he must complete a one-to-one internet sex offender’s programme. Additionally, he has been registered on the sex offenders’ register.