FREDERICK GERRELL FROM BLACKPOOL INVOLVED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL IN PORTSMOUTH AND LONDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the military and local communities alike, Lieutenant Commander Frederick Gerrell, a veteran of the Royal Navy with ties to Blackpool, was found to possess an extensive collection of illegal child pornography. The investigation revealed that Gerrell, aged 51 and a Falklands veteran, had accumulated over 11,000 images and nearly 300 video files depicting child abuse across multiple devices stored at his residences in Gosport and London.

Gerrell’s criminal activities came to light in November 2005 when police traced some of the illicit images back to his home computer. The authorities, including officers from the Ministry of Defence Police, uncovered the shocking extent of his illegal collection during their inquiry. The discovery prompted a thorough investigation into his activities, which spanned from 2001 to 2005, during which he downloaded and stored these disturbing images.

When confronted by MoD police, Gerrell initially attempted to deflect blame onto his family members, claiming that his 19-year-old son, his son’s friends, and his wife were responsible for the illegal material. Despite his initial denial, he eventually admitted his guilt, acknowledging his involvement in the possession of the child pornography.

Gerrell’s background as a Royal Navy officer, with 35 years of service, added a layer of complexity to the case. His arrest and subsequent court proceedings took place at Portsmouth Crown Court. The court heard that Gerrell’s wife was supportive and stood by him, but his children refused to speak to him about his crimes, indicating the personal toll of his actions.

In sentencing, Judge Price opted for a lenient approach, choosing to suspend a nine-month prison sentence for two years. The judge remarked that it was unnecessary to impose immediate incarceration, stating, “It is wholly unnecessary and undesirable to make you serve that sentence straight away. You could serve that sentence standing on your head. You have lost your good name – further punishment by making you serve that sentence now is in my view wholly unnecessary and could be counter-productive.”

Following his conviction, Gerrell faces potential disciplinary action from the Royal Navy, including the possibility of being discharged or stripped of his pension. A Royal Navy spokesperson indicated that the matter would be reviewed, and a decision was expected the following week. The case has also led to ongoing monitoring by the probation service, with Gerrell required to adhere to supervision for the next two years. Additionally, his name will remain on the Sex Offender Register for a decade, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Detective Sergeant Jim Pullinger of the MoD Police expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the seriousness of such offenses. “We are pleased that this inquiry has resulted in the conviction of an offender. Gerrell had initially tried to hide his offending from investigating officers; however, as a result of the thorough inquiry, his true involvement was uncovered. We regard such crimes as very serious because for each image there is a victim.”