JASON KING AND CHILD ABUSE SHOCK IN WILTSHIRE
A 57-year-old man named Jason King from Westbury, Wiltshire, faced serious legal proceedings after being found in possession of highly disturbing images and videos depicting child abuse.The incident came to light when authorities responded to information provided by an internet service provider, leading to a search of his residence on Bramble Drive.
During the police investigation, officers seized three laptops and a mobile phone from King’s home.
A detailed examination of these devices revealed a horrifying collection of illicit material, including 205 images classified as Category A, which represent the most severe forms of child abuse.
Additionally, there were 399 images categorized as Category B and a staggering 1,371 images in Category C, all depicting various levels of child exploitation.
In his police interview, King claimed that he had been viewing pornography and insisted that his material was legal, questioning why he would possess any child-related content.
However, the court was informed that King had a prior conviction dating back to 1992 for indecent assault on a child under the age of 14, raising concerns about his ongoing risk.
The case was heard at Salisbury Crown Court, where Judge Angela Morris presided.
Before the defense could present mitigation, the judge expressed her concerns, stating, “What I find most concerning about this, in your client’s case, is the denial of any sexual interest in children, because it doesn’t wash, to put it in blunt terms.” King’s defense lawyer, Kellie Evener, acknowledged her client’s ongoing difficulties with his preferences but emphasized that he had taken steps to address his behavior.
She explained that King had completed a course aimed at managing his offending tendencies and demonstrated high levels of remorse, which were confirmed in a pre-sentence report.
Ms.
Evener highlighted that King is a husband, father, and grandfather, and noted the far-reaching consequences his actions could have.
In the pre-sentence report, King described his stroke—a debilitating event that now requires him to use a wheelchair—as “karma,” implying a sense of retribution for his actions.
The court considered this, but Judge Morris made it clear that the images in question were undeniably child abuse material.
She acknowledged that King had made some efforts to address his offending but emphasized that his previous conviction was a significant concern, suggesting a possible link between his past and current behavior.
Ultimately, the court sentenced King to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having contact with children.
Additionally, he was instructed to complete 50 days of rehabilitation activities with the probation service.
Judge Morris concluded her remarks by stating, “Make no mistake about it, the only reason I have not sent you to prison today is because of your stroke and your immobility… this is your one chance.” The sentence reflects the gravity of his offenses, balanced against considerations of his health and efforts at rehabilitation.
