GEORGE HOLLINGTON FROM WORTHING SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGE OFFENSES IN BRIGHTON AND CHICHESTER

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention to the ongoing issue of child exploitation and online abuse, Geoffrey Hollington, a 67-year-old resident of Heene Terrace in Worthing, has been handed a substantial prison sentence after being found guilty of possessing an alarming number of indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed that Hollington was involved in the possession of over 300,000 such images, a figure that underscores the severity of his offenses and the extent of his illicit activities.

Hollington's criminal history includes a prior conviction from two years ago, which resulted in a suspended sentence. On April 24, 2014, at Brighton Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to nine counts related to the creation of indecent images of children, one count of possessing such images with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing extreme images. His sentence at that time was 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, reflecting the court's recognition of the seriousness of his actions but also the hope for rehabilitation.

However, the situation escalated when Hollington appeared before Chichester Crown Court on July 29 of this year. During this hearing, he admitted to breaching the terms of his previous suspended sentence, violating a Sexual Offence Prevention Order (SOPO) that had been imposed in 2014, and possessing additional indecent images, some of which were classified as the most severe category. The court responded by imposing a four-year prison term, emphasizing the gravity of his repeated offenses and breaches.

As part of his sentencing, Hollington was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which severely restricts his access to children and computers, aiming to prevent any further offenses. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in a sex offenders treatment program, a step intended to address underlying issues and reduce the risk of reoffending. The court also mandated that Hollington be registered as a sex offender for ten years following his release from prison, ensuring ongoing monitoring and management of his conduct.

This case highlights the persistent threat posed by individuals involved in the possession and distribution of child exploitation material, and the judicial system's efforts to impose strict penalties and preventative measures to protect vulnerable populations from harm.