JORDAN GOULD OF NORTH ANSTON FACES JAIL AFTER CHILD INDECENT IMAGE DISCOVERY

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the North Anston community, Jordan Gould, aged 23, has been found to possess a significant collection of indecent images of children, along with extreme pornography. The disturbing details emerged during a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court, where Gould was handed a 30-month community order after police uncovered the illicit material on his electronic devices.

According to prosecutor Mr. Andrew Smith, law enforcement officers responded to intelligence reports in June 2016, leading them to conduct a search of Gould’s residence on Narrow Lane, North Anston. During the raid, officers seized Gould’s laptop and iPhone, which, upon forensic analysis, revealed a troubling cache of 465 indecent images of children. Among these were 134 images classified as Category A, indicating the most graphic and severe content. The images primarily consisted of still photographs depicting young children being abused, with some as young as six years old.

In addition to the indecent images, authorities discovered 23 extreme pornographic images and two prohibited images of children, further highlighting the severity of the material found. Graphic images included photographs of boys aged between seven and nine, as well as girls aged between six and eight, illustrating the disturbing nature of the content Gould had downloaded.

Gould initially denied possessing any indecent images during police interviews. However, investigators revealed that his devices were password-protected, and it was only through specialized forensic techniques that officers gained access to the files. The material had been downloaded over a period spanning from November 2012, when Gould was just 16 years old, up until 2016.

Further investigation uncovered that Gould had engaged in email correspondence with individuals who shared similar interests in viewing children under 18, dating back to 2012. This pattern of behavior underscores a troubling pattern of involvement with illegal content over several years.

Gould had previously admitted to making indecent photographs of children, possessing prohibited images, and possessing extreme pornography during an earlier hearing at Sheffield Crown Court. The court was told that his actions caused significant harm and that he had been involved in these activities from a young age.

Judge Michael Slater delivered the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Gould’s offenses. He stated, “The offences, taken together, are so serious that, in an ordinary course of events, only a significant term of custody would be justified.” The judge acknowledged Gould’s early exposure to pornography and the addiction issues that may have contributed to his behavior but made it clear that such factors did not diminish the seriousness of his crimes.

Judge Slater explained that a custodial sentence would not necessarily serve the purpose of rehabilitation, and instead opted for a community order. Gould was ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activities and participate in a sex offender’s program. The judge warned Gould that compliance was mandatory, and failure to cooperate could result in imprisonment. “Either comply with the order, co-operate with the probation service, get out of the filthy mire that you wallow in at the moment, or go to prison,” he said.

Additionally, Gould was issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order. This order prohibits him from deleting his internet history, using software to mask his browsing activity, or accessing the internet without making his online activity available for inspection. The court’s decision aims to prevent further offending and protect potential victims from the dangers posed by Gould’s online behavior.