IAN MATHER FROM RUISLIP AND WATFORD CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Watford and Ruislip, Ian Mather, a 54-year-old former officer at Watford Town Hall, was found to have downloaded and possessed a significant collection of indecent images and videos involving children and extreme pornography. The incident came to light in April 2014 when police executed a search warrant at his residence on Stanmore Road, Watford.

At approximately 8:30 in the morning, officers arrived at Mather’s home, but he was not present at the time. Following this, authorities proceeded to the town hall, where they located and identified him at the reception desk. Upon his identification, Mather was taken to a police vehicle, where he was formally cautioned. During the search, computers from his residence and his parents’ home in Ruislip were seized for examination.

Analysis of the seized devices revealed a disturbing collection of material. Police uncovered a total of 2,171 indecent images, categorized into three levels of severity: 206 images in Category A, the most serious, 172 in Category B, and 1,794 in Category C, the least severe. Additionally, investigators found 197 videos, with 72 classified as Category A, 45 as Category B, and 80 as Category C. The search also revealed 134 images of extreme pornography involving bestiality.

Further investigation showed that Mather had used specific search terms such as “Lolita,” “Pedo,” and “Preteen,” indicating a focus on illegal and highly disturbing content. When questioned by authorities, he claimed that his searches were for adult pornography, attempting to justify his actions.

Ian Mather pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including seven counts of making (downloading) indecent images, two counts of possessing indecent images, and one count of possessing extreme pornography. It was noted that he was a man of previously good character, which was considered during sentencing.

His defense attorney, Andrew Campbell, highlighted that Mather had voluntarily sought help from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a charity dedicated to assisting individuals with issues related to viewing indecent images. Campbell also emphasized Mather’s cooperation with police from the outset, including his immediate guilty plea and the fact that he was arrested while at work. The lawyer mentioned that Mather had been working in a government-related position and had accepted redundancy in December of the previous year.

At the time of his arrest, Mather was reportedly attempting to manage his late mother’s estate at his Ruislip address. His father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, is in a care home, which was cited as part of the context for his actions.

Judge Marie Catterson sentenced Mather to a two-year Community Order with 18 months of supervision. As part of the conditions, Mather was banned from accessing any form of pornography for the duration of the order, with the judge stating, “It will do you no harm at all.” Additionally, he is required to have a device on his computer that records and retains his browsing history. Mather is also mandated to register as a Sex Offender for five years and to pay costs amounting to £340.