GARY OXFORD FROM AMESBURY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEXUAL IMAGE CONVICTION IN WINCHESTER

In a case that has drawn significant attention in the Amesbury community, Gary Oxford, a resident of Harvard Way in Amesbury, was convicted of possessing and downloading indecent images of children. The incident dates back to July 2013, when police officers executed a search warrant at Oxford’s residence and confiscated his personal computer. The investigation into the device revealed troubling content, including videos depicting young girls aged between eight and ten years old.

Despite the gravity of the findings, Oxford, aged 58, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. He claimed that he had no knowledge of how the illicit files appeared on his computer and insisted that his personal password had been used without his consent to secure the files. The prosecution, however, presented evidence that contradicted his claims, leading to his conviction.

The police discovered the videos stored within password-protected “zip” folders on Oxford’s computer. The images were part of a collection that had been downloaded onto his device, which was later examined by forensic experts. The court was informed that the videos featured young girls aged between eight and ten, raising serious concerns about the nature of the content.

Oxford’s legal situation was further complicated by the fact that another charge of possessing additional indecent images was dropped by the prosecution, possibly due to insufficient evidence or other legal considerations. Nevertheless, the court found him guilty of the charges that remained.

In sentencing, Winchester Crown Court Judge Keith Cutler opted for a relatively lenient punishment, considering the severity of the offense. Oxford was sentenced to six months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for a period of one year, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent future offenses.

The court also mandated the destruction of the hard drive on which the illicit videos were stored, aiming to prevent any further distribution or access to the material. Both Oxford’s current wife and his ex-wife testified during the trial, describing him as a man of good character, which may have influenced the court’s decision to impose a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the presence of child exploitation material online and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat such crimes. The incident remains a stark reminder of the vigilance required to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and the complexities involved in prosecuting such cases.