GREGORY POWNEY RAMSGATE SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND BREACHES IN SCOTLAND AND KENT
| Red Rose Database
Ramsgate Child Sexual Abuser
In a series of disturbing criminal activities spanning several years, Gregory Powney, a known sex offender from Ramsgate, has been convicted and sentenced for possessing indecent images of children, breaching court orders, and attempting to evade law enforcement authorities. His criminal history reveals a pattern of disturbing behavior involving the exploitation and abuse of minors, with incidents stretching from 2007 to 2020.
Back in March 2007, Powney, then aged 53, was found to be in possession of tens of thousands of child pornography images. Police raided his residence in Gravesend, where they uncovered a vast collection of illicit material, including images rated at the highest levels of severity, with victims as young as two years old. Despite being arrested and released on bail, Powney moved to another part of Kent, specifically Ramsgate, and continued his illegal activities. His persistence was evident as he amassed even more material, leading to his eventual conviction. At Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to 14 charges of making indecent images of children, with prosecutors revealing that the total number of images exceeded 23,000. Judge Philip Statman sentenced him to two years in prison for possession, with an additional year for breaching a sexual offences prevention order. The judge emphasized the gravity of the abuse, stating, “The abuse depicted was graphic and almost unimaginable to right-minded people. The truth is that you bear a direct responsibility for the abuse of these children.”
Powney’s criminal conduct did not cease there. In August 2020, he was again brought before the courts, this time for his continued offending while under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order was imposed after his previous convictions and mandated regular police visits, as well as restrictions on his use of computers and phones, requiring browsing histories to be accessible to authorities. However, during a police visit to his residence on High Street, Ramsgate, officers discovered that Powney was secretly using a laptop to access the dark web, a hidden part of the internet often associated with illegal activities. When questioned, Powney handed over a phone and a tablet for inspection. It was only after police warned him that he admitted to possessing another laptop, which he had concealed behind a drawer. Further examination revealed that this laptop was equipped with software designed to wipe browsing history and applications used to access the dark web. Authorities also found indecent images and videos of children stored on the device. The investigation uncovered additional breaches of his court order, including the possession of two credit cards and another phone that Powney had not disclosed to police. In November 2018, he was formally charged with multiple offences, but while on bail awaiting trial, Powney absconded. Law enforcement officials tracked him to a caravan in Scotland, where he was allegedly making plans to evade detection. His attempt to escape was thwarted when police arrested him again for breaching his order, as he failed to inform authorities that he was residing in Inverness and possessed two new bank accounts. At Canterbury Crown Court, Powney pleaded guilty to 16 counts, including making indecent images of children and multiple breaches of his court orders. He was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison, with an additional two years on licence to follow his release.
Powney’s criminal record is marked by repeated offenses and attempts to conceal his activities. His actions have caused significant harm and concern within the community, prompting law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Powney, who continue to exploit vulnerabilities despite legal restrictions and monitoring efforts. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children and pursuing offenders relentlessly, emphasizing that offenders like Powney pose a persistent danger to society and must be held accountable for their actions.
Back in March 2007, Powney, then aged 53, was found to be in possession of tens of thousands of child pornography images. Police raided his residence in Gravesend, where they uncovered a vast collection of illicit material, including images rated at the highest levels of severity, with victims as young as two years old. Despite being arrested and released on bail, Powney moved to another part of Kent, specifically Ramsgate, and continued his illegal activities. His persistence was evident as he amassed even more material, leading to his eventual conviction. At Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to 14 charges of making indecent images of children, with prosecutors revealing that the total number of images exceeded 23,000. Judge Philip Statman sentenced him to two years in prison for possession, with an additional year for breaching a sexual offences prevention order. The judge emphasized the gravity of the abuse, stating, “The abuse depicted was graphic and almost unimaginable to right-minded people. The truth is that you bear a direct responsibility for the abuse of these children.”
Powney’s criminal conduct did not cease there. In August 2020, he was again brought before the courts, this time for his continued offending while under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order was imposed after his previous convictions and mandated regular police visits, as well as restrictions on his use of computers and phones, requiring browsing histories to be accessible to authorities. However, during a police visit to his residence on High Street, Ramsgate, officers discovered that Powney was secretly using a laptop to access the dark web, a hidden part of the internet often associated with illegal activities. When questioned, Powney handed over a phone and a tablet for inspection. It was only after police warned him that he admitted to possessing another laptop, which he had concealed behind a drawer. Further examination revealed that this laptop was equipped with software designed to wipe browsing history and applications used to access the dark web. Authorities also found indecent images and videos of children stored on the device. The investigation uncovered additional breaches of his court order, including the possession of two credit cards and another phone that Powney had not disclosed to police. In November 2018, he was formally charged with multiple offences, but while on bail awaiting trial, Powney absconded. Law enforcement officials tracked him to a caravan in Scotland, where he was allegedly making plans to evade detection. His attempt to escape was thwarted when police arrested him again for breaching his order, as he failed to inform authorities that he was residing in Inverness and possessed two new bank accounts. At Canterbury Crown Court, Powney pleaded guilty to 16 counts, including making indecent images of children and multiple breaches of his court orders. He was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison, with an additional two years on licence to follow his release.
Powney’s criminal record is marked by repeated offenses and attempts to conceal his activities. His actions have caused significant harm and concern within the community, prompting law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Powney, who continue to exploit vulnerabilities despite legal restrictions and monitoring efforts. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children and pursuing offenders relentlessly, emphasizing that offenders like Powney pose a persistent danger to society and must be held accountable for their actions.