JULIAN HARRIS CHICHESTER MAN SENTENCED OVER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN PORTSMOUTH

In March 2017, a disturbing case emerged from Chichester involving Julian Paul Harris, a 63-year-old resident of Bishopsgate Walk. Harris was found to be in possession of an alarming collection of over 11,000 indecent images depicting children as young as two years old. The severity of his actions prompted a serious legal response, culminating in his appearance before Portsmouth Crown Court.

Harris pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the distribution of indecent images of children and the possession of a particularly extreme pornographic image that was described as 'grossly offensive.' The court proceedings took place on Friday, March 10, where Recorder Anne Arnold delivered her judgment. She acknowledged Harris’ immediate confession to police upon his arrest, which occurred after a police search of his residence in Chichester last October. However, she emphasized that the nature of the offenses was aggravated by the age of the children involved, making the case particularly grave.

During the sentencing, Recorder Arnold noted Harris’ good character over the years, highlighting that he had sought charitable help shortly after his arrest to address a decade-long addiction. She stated, “Given your past, given your willingness to address your particular problem, and that’s demonstrated very clearly by the steps you’ve taken already, and the remorse that you’ve shown, I propose to impose two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years.”

Prosecutor Mr. Foster provided details of the police investigation, revealing that the crimes came to light during a search of Harris’ home. He explained that Harris quickly understood the reason for the police visit and admitted to having child pornography on his computer, which he claimed he had possessed for ten years. Harris disclosed that he had discovered the material on the internet and through file-sharing platforms. He also admitted to having an interest in girls aged between eight and thirteen, but he did not shy away from acknowledging that the police would also find images of toddlers.

Further, Mr. Foster revealed that Harris had created false online personas to engage in chat room discussions centered around the sexual abuse of children. The images and videos discovered on Harris’ personal computer and two hard drives are now scheduled for destruction, ensuring they are removed from circulation.

Harris’ defense attorney, Miss Upton, highlighted that Harris’ wife, daughter-in-law, and other family members had written letters to the court. Despite their shock and disappointment, they remained supportive of him. The court imposed several restrictions and conditions, including a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that allows Harris to visit his grandchildren and other child relatives only under supervision and parental consent. Additionally, Harris will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.

As part of his sentence, Harris will complete 120 hours of unpaid community service, pay costs amounting to £340, and undergo 20 days of intensive rehabilitation. These measures aim to address his behavior and prevent future offenses, but the case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in child exploitation crimes in the Chichester area and beyond.