KENNETH GOVER FROM WIRRAL SPARED JAIL OVER CHILD SEX IMAGE OFFENSES
In January 2012, a former Wirral Scout master named Kenneth Glover was given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of downloading and sharing hundreds of indecent images of children.Glover, who also worked as a classroom assistant, was involved in the distribution of such material, the court heard.
Judge Robert Warnock described the offences as a "foul abuse of children" and stated that while a prison sentence was warranted, it would be suspended due to Glover's worsening health and medical issues.
The judge imposed a 50-week jail term, suspended for two years, placed Glover under supervision for two years, and ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.
Additionally, Glover was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and banned from working with children.
Judge Warnock explained that an immediate sentence might be disproportionate given Glover’s cognitive decline and medical conditions.
He expressed particular concern over the fact that Glover had used software designed to delete incriminating evidence and "cover your tracks." The judge noted, "You worked in a school and were involved in the Scout movement but there is no evidence you have directly abused children." He further highlighted that Glover’s medical problems are both permanent and worsening, which could lead to impulsive or inappropriate behavior.
"You have a serious medical problem which is permanent and deteriorating and is a potential disinhibitor which means you may well act in ways no right thinking person would act in respect of others," Warnock added.
Police raided Glover’s home in Eastham on April 15, 2010, seizing his laptop, external hard drives, and memory sticks.
They found evidence of searches for child sex sites and chat logs indicating he had received and shared indecent images of boys.
The police discovered he was "forensically aware," having installed software to erase evidence; two external hard drives had been wiped, and one memory stick was encrypted.
Test analysis revealed a total of 1,500 images and videos, classified across five severity categories, with 977 in the lowest category.
Glover, then aged 65, admitted to searching for indecent images of young males but denied encrypting his devices or communicating with others regarding the images.
He pleaded guilty to ten charges of downloading a total of 1,515 indecent images of boys and one charge of distributing such images, all committed between April 2009 and April 16 of the previous year.
Glover's defense lawyer, John Weate, stated that Glover, who has no prior convictions, suffers from vascular problems and dementia, which have disinhibited his sexual impulses.
His wife and son ensure he is never left alone, and he no longer has access to computers.
Mr.
Weate described Glover’s history as exemplary, noting his work in engineering and as a classroom assistant for children with special needs, alongside years of voluntary service with the Scout movement.
He emphasized that Glover’s wife encouraged the use of computers to keep his mind active, which instead led to his downfall.
"He is ashamed of the fact he finds himself in this position and his family is genuinely embarrassed.
He is extremely fortunate to have their love and support," said Weate.
He added that there is a low risk of reoffending but that Glover will work with probation services to prevent any future misconduct.
