GENE SWALLOW FROM SPALDING JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE VIDEO DOWNLOADS IN LINCOLN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Spalding, a local man named Gene Swallow has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in downloading and viewing illegal videos depicting child abuse. The incident came to light in November 2016 when law enforcement authorities conducted a raid on Swallow's residence, uncovering evidence of his illicit activities.

Swallow, aged 46 and residing on Acklam Avenue in Spalding, was found to have used a flash drive connected to his television to access and download these reprehensible films. The police investigation revealed that he had been engaging in this illegal activity for some time, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges.

Prosecutor Christopher Geeson provided details to Lincoln Crown Court, describing the nature of the videos discovered. One of the films, which had a duration of approximately 53 minutes, depicted the sexual abuse of a girl estimated to be only two or three years old. Another video showed an eight-year-old child being subjected to sexual assault. These images are considered among the most heinous forms of child exploitation, and their possession and distribution are criminal offenses.

Swallow faced two charges of making indecent images of children, to which he admitted guilt in November 2015. His sentencing included a 10-month prison term, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities following his release from prison.

Furthermore, Judge Simon Hirst imposed a sexual harm prevention order on Swallow. This order aims to prevent any further offending by restricting his access to certain materials and online activities that could facilitate child exploitation. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating, “These are not victimless offences. The children in these films suffer the most horrendous abuse. People like you downloading these films and watching them are encouraging that type of child exploitation. This, in my judgement, is so serious that only a custodial sentence will do.”

The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions. The community of Spalding and the wider Lincoln area are reminded of the devastating impact such crimes have on victims and the necessity of strict legal consequences for those involved in such heinous activities.