GARETH BURNSALL FROM IFIELD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER DOWNLOADS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN CRAWLEY

In June 2016, a case involving Gareth Bursnall, a retired teacher from Ifield, drew significant attention as he faced serious charges related to the possession and downloading of indecent images of children. The proceedings took place at Crawley Magistrates' Court, where Bursnall appeared to answer to allegations that he had engaged in the illegal collection of such material over a period of years.

According to court records, Bursnall, aged 66 and residing at Camelot Court in Ifield, admitted to two counts of making indecent images of children. The evidence against him included a total of 3,719 photographs and videos found on his computer, which police investigators linked to his activities. The investigation was initiated following a police operation on November 13, 2014, during which officers from Sussex Police’s paedophile investigation team, known as the POLIT team, monitored Bursnall’s internet usage.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Bursnall had purchased approximately 200 child sexual abuse videos between 2007 and 2011, with the total expenditure amounting to nearly £12,000, specifically £11,936. When police officers visited his home, he cooperated fully by handing over his computer, which contained numerous indecent images of children. Bursnall was subsequently interviewed by police, during which he made full admissions of his actions and pleaded guilty to the charges.

At the hearing, Bursnall’s legal representative, solicitor Geoff White, provided some context about his client’s background. White explained that Bursnall had spent two decades working as a teacher and that he was struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. He expressed remorse, stating, “It is difficult for me to advocate a defence for this, but he does take full responsibility and he is extremely sorry for what he has done.” White also highlighted that Bursnall was a man of previously good character, noting that he came from a generation where expressing homosexuality was often difficult and socially stigmatized.

White emphasized that Bursnall’s actions were unlawful and that this incident had tarnished his reputation, especially considering his long career in education. He added that the police knocking on his door served as a wake-up call, and Bursnall now fully understood the gravity of his actions, including the fact that he would be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

The magistrates, led by Chairman Gary Gates, acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, citing the large number of images, the duration over which the crimes occurred, and the financial aspect involved. Despite taking into account Bursnall’s early guilty plea and the recommendations from the Probation Service, the court sentenced him to 18 weeks in custody, suspended for two years. The sentence was reduced from an initial 26 weeks due to his cooperation.

Additionally, Bursnall was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years, and he was required to pay an £80 victim surcharge along with £80 in court costs. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and it highlights the complex personal circumstances that can accompany such offences.