JUSTIN STONE FROM PLYMOUTH CAUGHT VIEWING OVER 4000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case heard at Plymouth Crown Court, Justin Stone, a 40-year-old resident of Hallerton Close, Leigham, was found to have viewed and downloaded more than 4,200 indecent images of children over a period of nearly five years.The images, which included approximately 250 of the most severe Category A material depicting children being abused, were discovered during a police raid prompted by intelligence from the National Crime Agency in June 2014.
Authorities executed a search at Stone’s former residence in Langdale Gardens, Estover, where he was immediately forthcoming about his actions.
He admitted to viewing these illicit images, which the court described as some of the most appalling and vile material available.
The court heard that the images spanned from 2009 onwards, highlighting a prolonged period of offending.
During the hearing, Judge Ian Lawrie addressed the gravity of the offense, emphasizing the harm caused to innocent children.
He stated, “These children are robbed of their innocence at any early stage of their lives.
You should reflect on the misery your viewing would have helped cause to someone somewhere around the globe.” The judge condemned the viewing of such images as supporting a “vile trade” that exploits and abuses vulnerable children.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lawrie acknowledged the severity of the images, describing some as “appalling.” He ordered that Stone be detained in a cell for over an hour, although his prison sentence was ultimately suspended.
The court sentenced him to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, with probation supervision to monitor his conduct and address his sexual offending.
It was noted that this intervention would not involve an accredited course.
Additionally, Stone was ordered to pay costs amounting to £535 and will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
His legal representative, Ali Rafati, highlighted that Stone has no prior convictions and is in a healthy adult relationship, with his partner standing by him during the proceedings.
Richardo Childs, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, underscored the seriousness of the case, emphasizing the role of police in uncovering the extent of Stone’s offending and the importance of ongoing supervision to prevent future harm.
