KEVIN KILBANNE FROM PAIGNTON JAILED AFTER INTERNET CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL IN DEVON AND CORNWALL

In a significant crackdown on online child exploitation, Kevin Kilbane, a resident of Paignton, has been sentenced to prison after being linked to the distribution and possession of illegal images involving minors. This case marks the first time a known paedophile from Devon and Cornwall has been brought before the courts following a coordinated effort between the FBI and local law enforcement agencies across the United Kingdom.

Authorities initiated the operation after the FBI provided British police with crucial intelligence regarding individuals in the UK who were engaging in the purchase and download of child pornography via the internet. The joint investigation, part of the broader Operation Ore, led to a targeted raid in Torquay, where police officers uncovered disturbing evidence on Kilbane’s personal computer.

During the raid, officers discovered multiple images depicting young girls aged between eight and thirteen in provocative and explicit poses. The investigation revealed that Kilbane had accessed these illicit sites on 19 separate occasions using his credit card details, which ultimately facilitated the tracking of his online activities. Prosecutor Anne Redrobb confirmed that a total of 57 images were found stored on his computer’s hard drive, all depicting naked girls in various compromising situations.

What made Kilbane particularly notable to authorities was his failure to comply with legal obligations. Despite being a registered sex offender, he had not updated his address with the authorities, which is a requirement for individuals on the Sex Offenders’ Register. This oversight raised further concerns about his potential risk to the community.

It was also revealed during court proceedings that Kilbane had a history of previous sex offences, including multiple convictions for failing to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register. These prior convictions underscored the ongoing threat he posed and the importance of his recent conviction.

Representing Kilbane, defense lawyer Peter Ashman stated that his client had been honest and forthcoming with police during the investigation. Kilbane, who resides on Esplanade Road in Paignton, pleaded guilty to five charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children. He also admitted to 52 additional offences, which the court considered during sentencing.

Judge John Neligan sentenced Kilbane to six months in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the broader implications of such crimes, stating, “If it were not for customers like you, pornography providers would not exist.” He condemned the proliferation of such harmful material, asserting that individuals like Kilbane contribute directly to the spread of this “utterly revolting, disgusting and harmful trade.”

Judge Neligan further warned that Kilbane’s fascination with young girls made him a danger to society. As part of his sentence, Kilbane was ordered to undergo extended supervision for two years following his release and to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his offences and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.