GRENVILLE POWELL FROM SILEBY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN LEICESTER

In June 2016, a serious case involving a local resident from Sileby unfolded in Leicester, highlighting the disturbing issue of child exploitation and illegal online activity. Grenville Powell, aged 62, was at the center of this investigation after authorities uncovered a significant number of child abuse images on his personal computer.

Powell was initially arrested on November 15, 2012, after police executed a search warrant at his residence on Heathcote Drive, Sileby. During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that he had accessed and stored a total of 432 illegal images, which had been deleted from his device but were recoverable. These images were categorized into three levels of severity: 81 images in Category A, indicating the most serious content involving penetration; 139 images in Category B; and 212 images in Category C. The images depicted females ranging from infants to approximately 14 years old, with many of the files downloaded just days before the search warrant was carried out.

Further examination revealed that Powell had conducted 1,681 internet searches using terms suggestive of child exploitation sites. The prosecution, led by Christopher Geeson, presented evidence that the majority of these images involved young females, emphasizing the gravity of the offense. The court was also informed that Powell had actively searched for indecent images of children shortly after a family visit to a naturist venue in Leicestershire, just three days prior to his arrest.

Throughout the proceedings, Powell maintained a stance of denial, attempting to shift blame onto others. He claimed that relatives, friends, and even a police officer involved in the case might have used his computer or tampered with evidence. Specifically, he suggested that former detective constable Anne Watson, who was still employed as a civilian police worker, might have planted evidence against him. However, these claims were dismissed by the court, and Powell ultimately pleaded guilty to eight counts of making indecent images of children.

In sentencing, Recorder Rachel Brand QC acknowledged Powell’s attempt to deflect responsibility but emphasized that he was the sole individual responsible for his online searches and downloads. She pointed out that the 81 images in Category A involved penetrative sexual activity with children, underscoring the seriousness of the case. Powell was sentenced to nine months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, with a two-year supervision order. The court also imposed a sexual harm prevention order and required him to register as a sex offender for ten years.

During the hearing, Powell’s defense team highlighted his lack of prior convictions, aside from a public order offense in 2012 for which he received a conditional discharge. They also noted that Powell had ceased working due to health issues, which were worsened by the court proceedings, and he was awaiting surgery. His family, including his wife and two grown-up daughters, attended the hearing and expressed their support, stating they believed he had not committed any wrongdoing. The court’s probation report classified Powell as having a low risk of reoffending, reflecting the assessment of his future behavior.

Overall, the case served as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against online child exploitation, with authorities emphasizing the importance of vigilance and swift legal action to protect vulnerable children from harm.