IAN ROBERTS FROM BATLEY CAUGHT WITH OVER 20,000 CHILD PORN IMAGES IN SHOCKING POLICE RAID

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Batley, police officers conducted a raid on the home of Ian Roberts, uncovering an alarming collection of over 20,000 child pornography images. The investigation was prompted by reports of indecent image downloads from the residence, which is located on Roman Road in Batley, during the months of March and October of the previous year.

On November 5, 2016, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Roberts’ mother’s house, where he was known to visit. During the search, officers discovered a computer tower in the spare room that was identified as belonging to Roberts. The digital devices revealed a staggering number of illicit images, totaling 21,518, with the majority classified as Category C, indicating the least severe form of illegal content. However, among these were 12 images categorized as Category B, which depicted a female child aged between eight and ten engaging in sexual activity with an adult male.

Prosecutor Alex Bozman informed the Kirklees Magistrates’ Court that Roberts, aged 47, had pleaded guilty to two charges related to the possession of indecent photographs of children. During the court proceedings, Roberts admitted that he had been searching for images of children around 14 years old but acknowledged that some of the images he possessed involved significantly younger victims. He also confessed to deriving sexual pleasure from viewing these images, recognizing the wrongful nature of his actions.

Roberts’ defense solicitor described him as a socially isolated and lonely individual suffering from anxiety issues. The court was told that Roberts’ offending was facilitated by the widespread availability of such material on the internet, which has contributed to the expansion of this form of criminal behavior. District Judge Michael Fanning emphasized the serious harm caused by such offenses, stating, “This type of offending has expanded with the availability of computers and the internet. It’s an offence which causes huge harm, it’s not a victimless crime as all these are linked to somebody who is a victim of abuse.”

As part of his sentencing, Roberts, who resides on Gilbert Mount in Leeds, was ordered to register his details with the police as a sex offender for a period of five years. Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will remain in effect for five years. The order prohibits him from using any device capable of internet access unless he can retain and produce a full browsing history to law enforcement. Roberts is also barred from deleting his internet history or using file-sharing websites.

Furthermore, the court imposed a two-year community order aimed at educating Roberts about the harmful impact of such offenses on children, with the goal of preventing future crimes. He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the proliferation of child exploitation material and underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable victims from further harm.