GEROLD DOWNS FROM SHIREBROOK FACES JAIL OVER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AT DERBY CROWN COURT
| Red Rose Database
Shirebrook Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Shirebrook, Derby Crown Court is preparing to sentence Gerold Downs, a 61-year-old man, after he admitted to possessing a large collection of indecent images of children. The court proceedings took place on Wednesday, January 4, and revealed the disturbing details of Downs' offenses.
Gerold Downs, who resides on Springfield Avenue in Shirebrook, pleaded guilty to five separate charges related to the possession of indecent images and prohibited material, including extreme pornography. His defense lawyer, David Webster, emphasized that Downs has a history of good character and that he had entered an early guilty plea, which often reflects remorse and cooperation. Webster also highlighted that Downs suffers from significant physical health issues, which could influence the court’s sentencing decision.
Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Robert Egbuna made it clear that the possibility of a custodial sentence remains on the table. The judge stated that while Downs’ physical condition is a consideration, it does not automatically exempt him from potential imprisonment. The court heard that Downs had been in possession of indecent images of children, with the images dating from October 2012 to March 2016. Specifically, he possessed 146 Category A images, which are considered the most serious, along with 67 Category B images and 245 Category C images, all with the intent of distribution.
In addition to these, Downs also admitted to possessing a prohibited image of a child, along with material classified as extreme pornography involving an animal. These offenses, spanning the same period, further underscore the severity of his actions. The court was informed that Downs’ offenses involved not only possession but also the intent to distribute these illicit images.
The case was adjourned until February 9, when Downs is scheduled to be sentenced. On that day, he will be required to attend Ripley police station, where the court will conduct the sentencing via a remote link. In the meantime, Downs has been granted bail and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, a standard procedure in cases involving sexual offenses against minors.
As the community awaits the outcome, the case highlights ongoing concerns about the proliferation of child exploitation material and the importance of rigorous legal action to address such heinous crimes.
Gerold Downs, who resides on Springfield Avenue in Shirebrook, pleaded guilty to five separate charges related to the possession of indecent images and prohibited material, including extreme pornography. His defense lawyer, David Webster, emphasized that Downs has a history of good character and that he had entered an early guilty plea, which often reflects remorse and cooperation. Webster also highlighted that Downs suffers from significant physical health issues, which could influence the court’s sentencing decision.
Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Robert Egbuna made it clear that the possibility of a custodial sentence remains on the table. The judge stated that while Downs’ physical condition is a consideration, it does not automatically exempt him from potential imprisonment. The court heard that Downs had been in possession of indecent images of children, with the images dating from October 2012 to March 2016. Specifically, he possessed 146 Category A images, which are considered the most serious, along with 67 Category B images and 245 Category C images, all with the intent of distribution.
In addition to these, Downs also admitted to possessing a prohibited image of a child, along with material classified as extreme pornography involving an animal. These offenses, spanning the same period, further underscore the severity of his actions. The court was informed that Downs’ offenses involved not only possession but also the intent to distribute these illicit images.
The case was adjourned until February 9, when Downs is scheduled to be sentenced. On that day, he will be required to attend Ripley police station, where the court will conduct the sentencing via a remote link. In the meantime, Downs has been granted bail and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, a standard procedure in cases involving sexual offenses against minors.
As the community awaits the outcome, the case highlights ongoing concerns about the proliferation of child exploitation material and the importance of rigorous legal action to address such heinous crimes.