JONATHAN LOCKETT FROM DORCHESTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM

In a case that has shocked the local community of Dorchester, Jonathan Mark Lockett, aged 48, of Louise Road in Dorchester, was found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children, as well as viewing extreme pornography using his work computer at the Dorset County Museum. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior that spanned several years, culminating in his sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court.

According to the prosecution, led by Desmond Duffy, Lockett was employed at the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester during 2009. It was during this period that he was warned about the potential loss of his job. Despite this, Lockett, who had no prior criminal record, continued to access inappropriate material on his work computer. His actions escalated from viewing adult pornography to increasingly disturbing images involving children and extreme content involving animals such as horses and dogs.

The investigation was triggered in January of the previous year when Lockett took his computer to a repair shop. During the repair process, authorities discovered a significant number of illicit images stored on his hard drive. The charges against him included possession of 18 images depicting extreme pornography involving animals, and a large collection of indecent images of children, totaling over 280 images. These images were classified into different grades based on severity, with some being rated as level five, indicating the most serious content.

Specifically, Lockett admitted to possessing 181 images classified as grade one, 27 as grade two, 42 as level three, 29 as level four, and two as grade five. The images of children ranged from less severe to highly explicit, with some depicting the most serious forms of abuse. The charges also included 19 counts related to the making and possession of these indecent images.

During the sentencing hearing, mitigation was presented by Tim Shorter, who described Lockett as a man of previously good character, emphasizing that he had never been in trouble before. Mr. Shorter highlighted that Lockett was considered vulnerable, citing medical reports that suggested he might be at greater risk if incarcerated. He expressed concern that prison could pose a significant danger to Lockett’s well-being, even suggesting that imprisonment might lead to self-harm.

Judge Samuel Wiggs delivered the sentence, which included a five-month prison term, suspended for two years. Additionally, Lockett was ordered to participate in a sex offenders' treatment program and to be registered on the sex offenders register for seven years. The court also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, restricting his access to computers and internet-enabled devices to prevent further offenses.

In his remarks, Judge Wiggs acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses, especially given the involvement of level four and five images. However, he took into account Lockett’s age, lack of prior convictions, and his early acceptance of guilt. The judge concluded that immediate imprisonment was not necessary in this case, balancing the need for public protection with the circumstances of the offender.