IAN KNAPMAN PLYMOUTH PAEDOPHILE WITH 10,800 IMAGES ON FAMILY COMPUTER
In April 2011, a disturbing case emerged from Plymouth involving Ian Knapman, who was found to have stored an alarming number of indecent images of children on a computer accessible to his family members, including his wife and teenage children.During court proceedings at Plymouth Crown Court, it was revealed that Knapman had admitted to possessing and creating a total of 10,849 images classified at level one, along with 36 images at level two, 57 at level three, 161 at level four, and four at the most severe level five.
The classification levels indicate the severity of the content, with level one being the least serious and level five the most egregious.
The court heard that Knapman explained to police that his viewing of these images was not driven by sexual gratification but was instead motivated by what he described as 'morbid curiosity.' He admitted to engaging in this activity over a period of three years.
Furthermore, Knapman had planned to store these illicit images on a hard drive protected by a password, suggesting an attempt to conceal his activities.
Judge Francis Gilbert QC addressed Knapman directly, stating, 'What you did has brought shame upon yourself and no doubt strain on relations with members of your family.' The judge's remarks underscored the gravity of Knapman's actions and their impact on his personal life.
As a result, Knapman, who resides at Rheola Gardens, Estover, was sentenced to four months in prison, a sentence that was suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was placed under two years of supervision by the Probation Service.
The court also mandated that Knapman complete the Internet Sex Offender Programme and remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for a period of seven years, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses.
