GARETH SUMNER FROM LIVERPOOL SPARED JAIL AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN FAZAKERLEY
In a case that has shocked the local community of Liverpool, Gareth Sumner, a 39-year-old man and father of three, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court to face serious allegations related to the possession and download of indecent images of children.The incident traces back to a police raid conducted at his family home located on First Avenue, Fazakerley, on December 13, 2017.
Prosecutor Charles Lander outlined the events leading to Sumner's arrest, stating that officers responded to suspicions and executed a search warrant at the residence.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Sumner denied any involvement in illegal internet activity.
However, the situation changed when he handed over a mobile phone to authorities, which immediately revealed the presence of indecent images involving young girls.
This discovery prompted his arrest on the spot.
Further examination of the mobile device confirmed the disturbing content.
Police experts identified a total of 64 indecent images spread across two phones recovered from Sumner’s home.
Among these, nine were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of illegal material, including one video depicting children being raped.
Additionally, there were 11 images categorized as Category B and 44 as Category C, along with one extreme pornographic image.
The material had been downloaded over a period of nearly three years, from February 2015 to December 2017.
During police interviews, Sumner maintained his innocence, claiming that his Facebook account had been hacked and that he was not responsible for the illegal content.
Despite his assertions, the evidence was compelling.
The analysis of a second phone found at his residence revealed the same disturbing images, reinforcing the case against him.
Further investigation uncovered internet searches using highly inappropriate terms such as “pre-teen,” “jail bait,” and “candy doll,” suggesting premeditated intent or at least a disturbing curiosity.
Sumner was scheduled to stand trial last year but changed his plea before proceedings began.
He admitted to three counts of downloading indecent images, one count of possessing such images, and one count of possessing extreme pornographic material.
It was also revealed that Sumner had a criminal record, with four previous convictions for unrelated offenses spanning from 1999 to 2007.
These previous convictions resulted in either fines or discharges, indicating a history of legal issues but not previous serious sexual offenses.
In sentencing, the judge, Judge Woodhall, decided on a 14-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months.
Additionally, Sumner was ordered to complete a 40-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
The court also mandated that he register as a sex offender and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next ten years, emphasizing the seriousness of the case and the importance of ongoing monitoring and prevention.
