JAMES RYDER FROM PLYMOUTH ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, James Ryder, a 32-year-old man from Keyham, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found in possession of a significant collection of indecent images of children. The incident came to light during a police search of Ryder’s residence on April 19, when authorities uncovered a total of 351 such images stored on his computers. Among these, nine were classified as the most serious category, indicating the severity of the material involved.

Ryder faced the court to answer charges related to his possession and distribution of child abuse images. He pleaded guilty to seven counts of making indecent images of children and one count of inciting an unidentified individual to share such images. The case was heard at Plymouth Crown Court, where Recorder Michael Hubbard presided over the proceedings.

During the sentencing, Recorder Hubbard addressed Ryder directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. “You already know the impact of what you have done,” he stated. “You will suffer humiliation and indignity for a long time to come. What you get up to behind closed doors is no secret now, that is why you are here.”

The Crown Prosecution Service presented evidence that detailed Ryder’s online activities. Prosecutor David Gittins explained that police discovered the images during their search of Ryder’s home. He revealed that Ryder had engaged in online conversations with a known paedophile through a pornographic website. Ryder reportedly claimed to have children and expressed a preference for viewing images of minors, which the other individual then sent to him. Gittins highlighted Ryder’s admission to chatting with the person and his explicit statements about his interests.

Emma Birt, representing Ryder, argued that her client had shown genuine remorse for his actions. She described the incident as a life-shattering event for Ryder and noted that he was assessed as a low risk of re-offending. Birt emphasized Ryder’s willingness to seek help, stating, “He is the sort of person if given the chance would take the ball and run with it and never trouble these courts again.”

It was also revealed that Ryder had previously worked as a maintenance man at a local doctor’s surgery but was dismissed from his position due to the offence. The court considered his early guilty plea, remorse, and employment history when determining the sentence.

In light of these factors, Recorder Hubbard sentenced Ryder to a two-year community order, which includes probation supervision, participation in the Internet Sex Offender Treatment Programme, and the Low-Intensity Alcohol Programme. The judge explained that because of Ryder’s early plea, remorse, and first-time conviction, he was able to avoid immediate imprisonment. However, Ryder will be required to sign the sex offender register for a period of seven years, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions.