JAMES HAWKINS FROM SILVERTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN EXETER COURT

In July 2012, a serious case involving a local software designer from Silverton has come to light, highlighting the ongoing issue of child exploitation and the legal consequences faced by offenders. James Hawkins, aged 46, was brought before Exeter Crown Court after police discovered indecent images on his personal computer, raising significant concerns about the possession and distribution of such material.

According to court reports, police experts managed to recover a total of 278 images from Hawkins' laptop. Despite his efforts to delete most of the files, only four images remained accessible after the forensic analysis. Among these images, 29 were classified in the most severe categories, depicting the abuse of children by adults, which underscores the gravity of the offense.

Hawkins, residing on Wyndham Road in Silverton, pleaded guilty to five counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing such images. His admission of guilt led to a sentencing that included a 26-week jail term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £340.

In addition to his immediate sentencing, Judge John Neligan mandated Hawkins to participate in a sex offender treatment program specifically aimed at internet offenders. He was also required to register as a sex offender and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order. This order explicitly prohibited him from accessing similar images or engaging in activities that could lead to further offenses.

Judge Neligan emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “Downloading this material is a very serious offence, although you probably did not realise it at the time. Unless courts are seen to take a firm line, children all over the world could be exploited. When people know prison sentences are imposed for downloading this material, word gets around and the supply of customers dries up, so courts here are involved in child protection.”

Prosecutor David Bowen explained that police had seized Hawkins' computer equipment during a raid, which led to the discovery of the illicit images. Defense lawyer Gareth Evans highlighted Hawkins' efforts to seek help, revealing that he had already approached the community mental health team in Tiverton for treatment. Evans argued that it was unreasonable to completely ban Hawkins from internet use, considering his profession as an instructional software designer employed by a local company. He pointed out that Hawkins' internet activity at work was monitored by his employer, and he worked in an office environment with 25 colleagues, which further limited his access to inappropriate material.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the justice system in tackling child exploitation, as well as the importance of rehabilitation and monitoring for offenders involved in such serious crimes.