JOSHUA NEVES BANNED FROM INTERNET IN BROUGHTON CAUGHT WITH 500 CHILD ABUSE PICTURES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the small community of Broughton, Joshua Neves, a 23-year-old resident, has been linked to the possession of an alarming number of child abuse images, leading to his remand in custody and a forthcoming court appearance. The investigation into Neves’s activities uncovered a deeply troubling pattern of behavior that has raised serious concerns about his ongoing threat to the safety of children.

Neves was first brought into police custody in September of the previous year when authorities conducted a routine check on his Samsung phone during a visit to his home in Dawkins Court. The police, acting on intelligence and following the stipulations of a sexual harm prevention order previously issued against him, examined his device and discovered that he had deleted significant portions of his internet browsing history between September 9 and September 16. This act of deleting data was a violation of the restrictions imposed by the order, which specifically prohibited him from deleting browsing records to prevent concealment of illicit activity.

Further forensic analysis of Neves’s phone revealed a horrifying collection of over 500 child abuse images, including 171 files classified as Category A, which are considered the most severe and depraved. Among these, 146 were videos, highlighting the disturbing nature of the content. Additional files included 298 images in Category B, with 87 videos, and 68 images in Category C, with 30 videos. These figures underscore the extent of his possession of illegal material, which police described as deeply disturbing and indicative of a serious risk to children.

During the court proceedings, Neves appeared via videolink from HMP Peterborough, dressed in grey prison-issue clothing. He admitted to visiting various applications to find these images and acknowledged deleting his browsing history, despite knowing that such actions were illegal. In his own words, Neves stated that he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions but claimed that he was sexually attracted to children and expressed a need for help. His admission came during a hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, where he faced multiple charges, including three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of breaching the sexual harm prevention order.

Previously, in 2020, Neves had received a 41-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, after being convicted of similar offences involving indecent images. He was also ordered to participate in rehabilitation activities. However, recent assessments by probation officers indicated that Neves had become 'unmanageable' within the community, raising concerns about his potential risk to others.

In the latest sentencing at Northampton Crown Court, Judge James House QC sentenced Neves to a total of 16 months in prison. The sentence comprised ten months for the offences committed last year and an additional six months for breaching the terms of his previous suspended sentence. The judge emphasized the importance of deterrence, hoping that the length of the sentence would serve as a warning to Neves and others with similar tendencies. It was also noted that Neves would serve up to half of his sentence in custody before being eligible for release on licence. The court also confirmed that the sexual harm prevention order would remain in effect after his release, continuing to restrict his internet use and monitor his activities.

Neves’s case has once again highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding online safety and the importance of strict enforcement of protective orders for individuals with a history of sexual offences involving children. The community of Broughton remains on alert as authorities continue to monitor his case and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent further harm.