JONATHAN JEANS FROM GILLINGHAM AND LYDFORD FACES JUSTICE OVER CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In August 2016, a serious case unfolded at Taunton Crown Court involving Jonathan Jeans, a man with connections to both Gillingham and Lydford. The court heard that Jeans, aged 64, appeared before Judge David Ticehurst to face multiple charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children.

Jeans was accused of possessing a staggering total of 2,528 indecent photographs of minors, which he allegedly collected over a period spanning from January 1, 2006, to June 3, 2015, while residing in Somerton. The charges detailed that he had in his possession images classified into various categories based on severity, including 286 photographs in the most serious Category A. Additionally, he was charged with producing 426 images in Category B and a further 1,735 images in Category C.

During the court proceedings, Jeans did not contest the charges and admitted to all of them. The case was subsequently adjourned for a pre-sentence review, with Judge Ticehurst making it clear that all sentencing options, including the possibility of immediate imprisonment, remained under consideration. The judge posed a pointed question to Jeans, asking, “And what would you say to the children who suffer as a result of your interests?”

Jeans responded with a statement expressing remorse, saying, “I deeply regret any angst that my actions have caused.” The judge sharply retorted, “Angst?! These are children who have suffered terrible physical and psychological traumas that will stay with them for most of their adult lives.”

In response, Jeans stated, “I regret any hurt caused to these individuals.” The court scheduled the sentencing hearing for August 30, where a final decision on his punishment will be made, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed and the impact on the victims involved.