JOSEPH PAYNE FROM SISTON SENTENCED FOR DISTRIBUTING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN BRISTOL

In July 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving Joseph Payne, a research scientist with a doctorate in bacterial disease studies, who was found guilty of distributing child abuse images. Payne, aged 27 and residing in Webbs Heath, Siston, was employed at the University of the West of England (UWE). Despite his academic credentials and professional standing, his activities outside of work revealed a sinister side.

Investigations by police uncovered incriminating online communications between Payne and an individual named Burns. These chats, conducted via WhatsApp, involved discussions about engaging in sexual activities with minors. The authorities discovered that Payne had not only exchanged explicit conversations but also sent a disturbing photograph of a boy aged between 12 and 15, who was depicted naked from the waist down. This evidence was crucial in tracking him down and establishing his involvement in the distribution of illegal images.

Payne was subsequently charged with multiple offenses. He pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing indecent photographs of children and three counts of making such images. The crimes spanned from January 2017 to July 2018, highlighting a period of over a year during which these illicit activities took place.

During his appearance at Bristol Crown Court on July 3, 2019, His Honour Judge Peter Blair QC delivered the sentence. Payne was handed a three-year community order, which included the requirement to complete 140 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £425 and a victim surcharge of £85. The judge emphasized that Payne's employment at UWE was not in jeopardy, stating, "Your employers are prepared to continue to employ you. There’s a good prospect of rehabilitation if you take the rigorous programme that is prepared by the Probation Service. This is not a let-off."

Furthermore, Payne was mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. He was also subjected to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from unrestricted internet access, aiming to prevent further offenses.

Prosecutor Ellen McAnaw revealed that police had discovered child abuse images on Payne’s mobile device. The images included some classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of abuse. Payne admitted to police that he possessed and distributed these indecent images, confirming the severity of his actions and the breach of legal and moral boundaries.