SUDBURY MAN JOSEPH GREENHOW SPARED JAIL AFTER VIEWING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In June 2017, a man from Sudbury, identified as Joseph Greenhow, faced serious allegations related to the possession and viewing of indecent images of children. The incident came to light when police were alerted to suspicious activity at his workplace in Glemsford, Suffolk. Greenhow, who resides in Highfield, Clare, near Sudbury, was found to have been involved in the illegal downloading of such images during his working hours.

According to court records, Greenhow, aged 33 at the time, had previously admitted to three charges of making indecent images of children, with the offenses occurring between December 11 and February 23. The police investigation was initiated after authorities received information suggesting that someone at Greenhow’s place of employment was engaged in downloading illegal content. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Greenhow present along with his wife and employer.

During a police interview, Greenhow confessed that he was responsible for downloading the images on his work computer. He explained to officers that he had come across the images on a file-sharing website and felt compelled to continue downloading them. Greenhow admitted that this activity had been ongoing for approximately a year, with him engaging in it two to three times each week during his lunch breaks.

Further investigation revealed that Greenhow used a file-sharing program to facilitate his activities. He would view the images, then delete them, along with clearing his browsing history in an attempt to conceal his actions. He also installed software designed to perform comprehensive deletions, aiming to erase all traces of the illegal content from his computer.

The police seized a Dell tower computer from Greenhow’s workplace, which contained three Level B images and a Level B movie, as well as a Level A movie. Level A is classified as the most severe grade of child pornography, indicating the seriousness of the material involved.

In sentencing, Ipswich magistrates decided to impose a 20-week prison sentence on Greenhow, but this was suspended for 24 months. Additionally, Greenhow was ordered to comply with a five-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his access to certain online content and activities. As part of his rehabilitation, he is required to participate in a 60-day activity program aimed at addressing his behavior.

Greenhow was also mandated to pay costs amounting to £85 and contribute £115 to the victims’ fund, underscoring the court’s recognition of the harm caused by his actions and the importance of supporting victims of such crimes.