GARETH WARNOCK PORTSMOUTH PAEDOPHILE IN DENIAL AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Portsmouth community, Gareth Warnock, a 47-year-old man from Havant Road, was found to be in possession of a significant collection of indecent images depicting vulnerable children.The incident came to light on November 18, 2019, when police executed a search at Warnock’s residence and uncovered approximately 650 illicit images stored on various devices.
The court proceedings revealed that the images were highly disturbing, with a majority classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of abuse material.
Specifically, 148 images fell into this category, alongside 126 in Category B and 369 in Category C.
The images predominantly depicted children aged between five and eight years old, highlighting the grave nature of the offense and the vulnerability of the victims involved.
Throughout the investigation, Warnock initially maintained a stance of denial, claiming he did not possess any indecent images.
However, his assertions were quickly undermined when authorities discovered the extensive collection on his devices.
Despite the evidence, Warnock continued to deny the charges until the day his trial was scheduled to commence, at which point he changed his plea and admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children.
It was also revealed that Warnock had a prior conviction for a similar offense, having received a caution in 2008 for child abuse images.
This history was noted by the court, emphasizing the repeated nature of his offending behavior.
Recorder Gordon Bebb QC addressed the court, stating that the severity of the current offense had “crossed the custody threshold,” and pointed out Warnock’s previous involvement with child abuse material.
In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Bebb expressed concern over Warnock’s continued denial, describing it as a sign of his reluctance to accept responsibility.
The judge underscored the vulnerability of the children depicted in the images, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
Despite the gravity of the case, Warnock was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment.
Instead, he received a 21-month jail sentence, which was suspended for two years.
As part of his rehabilitation, Warnock is required to complete the Horizon sex offenders programme, undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activities, and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Additionally, he must pay a surcharge, and authorities have ordered the destruction of all devices containing the illicit images, aiming to prevent any further distribution or access to such material.
