JASON BARNES FROM PENZANCE SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN TRURO

In May 2019, Jason Barnes, a resident of Penzance, was handed a significant prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple serious offences related to child exploitation and indecent images. The case unfolded at Truro Crown Court, where prosecutors detailed how Barnes, aged 29 and living on Nicholas Parc in Penzance, had repeatedly engaged in illegal activities involving child pornography.

Authorities had previously taken action against Barnes in August 2017 when police officers visited his home in Penzance and seized electronic devices, including a laptop and a mobile phone. During the seizure, Barnes admitted to police, saying, "I've been silly, I've been at it again," acknowledging his ongoing misconduct. An examination of the devices revealed a disturbing collection of over 500 indecent photographs of children, some classified in the most severe category of illegal content.

Further investigations uncovered additional offences in August 2018, when another phone was confiscated from Barnes. On this device, authorities discovered that he had created 20 indecent images of children and had distributed three of these images to others. His internet search history was also scrutinized, revealing searches with phrases such as "teen 12-18" and "hot boy 14," indicating his continued interest in illegal material involving minors.

It was also revealed that Barnes had previously been sentenced in October 2016 to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, for similar offences involving the creation of indecent images of children. As part of his original sentence, he was ordered to participate in a rehabilitation programme aimed at internet sexual offenders. However, the probation service took until November 2017 to arrange his first appointment, by which time Barnes had already reoffended.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Robert Linford expressed his disappointment with Barnes' failure to comply with court orders. He emphasized that Barnes had been under a suspended sentence since October 2016, which included a requirement to attend a sexual internet offenders programme. The judge criticized the probation service for the delay, which allowed Barnes to reoffend without intervention, and demanded an explanation for this lapse.

Judge Linford highlighted that Barnes' continued illegal activities, including downloading, possessing, and distributing illegal images, demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of children. He stated, "You did not need a court to tell you that what you were doing was wrong, seriously wrong." The court reviewed descriptions of the videos Barnes distributed, emphasizing their illegality and the severity of his actions.

In light of Barnes' guilty pleas on three charges related to possession, distribution, and creation of indecent images of children, the judge decided to activate part of his suspended sentence. Ultimately, Barnes was sentenced to a total of eighteen months in prison, with the stipulation that he must serve at least half of that term before being eligible for release. The court's decision underscores the seriousness with which such offences are treated and the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation.