JOSEPH MARIOSA FROM BARNSTAPLE CAUGHT WITH THOUSANDS OF CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN NORTH DEVON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Barnstaple and the wider North Devon area, a 72-year-old man named Joseph Mariosa has been found in possession of an alarming number of child abuse images. The police investigation was initiated after authorities traced his online activity through his IP address, which led them directly to his residence in North Devon.

During the investigation, officers discovered a hard drive, which Mariosa had decorated with a butterfly motif. This device contained a total of 2,776 images depicting child abuse. The severity of the material was particularly disturbing, with 462 images and 30 videos classified in the most severe category, illustrating acts of rape and torture involving children. The youngest victims depicted in these images were less than one year old, highlighting the heinous nature of the material involved.

Joseph Mariosa, who resides in Roundswell, Barnstaple, was taken into custody and subsequently admitted to possessing these indecent images. He explained to the authorities that he had become addicted to viewing such material after initially encountering child images while searching for a theatre school online. His explanation did little to mitigate the seriousness of his actions.

He faced multiple charges, specifically five counts of making or possessing indecent, prohibited, or extreme images of children. The case was brought before Exeter Crown Court, where Judge Peter Johnson presided over the sentencing. Mariosa was sentenced to a year in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Mariosa was ordered to complete a sex offenders’ rehabilitation course, which is part of a broader 30-day program aimed at addressing his behavior. Furthermore, he was placed on the sex offenders register and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect for ten years, restricting his activities and monitoring his conduct to prevent any future harm.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child abuse material, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.