KEVIN MALONE FROM CHESTER AND STRATFORD-UPON-AVON SPARED JAIL DESPITE CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CHARGES

In August 2007, a serious case involving Kevin Malone, a man originally from Chester and now residing in Stratford-upon-Avon, came to light. Malone, who was once a prominent figure in the haulage industry, faced charges related to the possession and download of child abuse images. Despite the gravity of the allegations, he was spared immediate imprisonment, though he received a suspended sentence that carried significant conditions.

Kevin Malone, aged 47 at the time, was identified as a former director of Gwynedd Shipping, a company based in Anglesey. He resigned from his position in April of that year, but the repercussions of his actions continued to unfold. The charges stemmed from a police investigation that uncovered Malone's use of his office computer and company credit card to access and download illegal material. The investigation revealed that over a two-week period, Malone had downloaded a total of ten indecent photographs and videos involving children aged between two and fifteen.

Police officers executed a search warrant at Malone’s office in Holyhead in February. During the search, they discovered a total of 378 images stored on his computer. The images depicted children in various states of abuse, and the police confirmed that Malone had viewed these images over a span of six to eight months, although the specific charges related to a concentrated two-week period. Malone initially denied deriving any sexual gratification from the images, claiming he used an evidence elimination program to erase traces of his activity. However, the police found evidence that contradicted his claims.

Malone’s legal proceedings took place at Caernarfon Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to ten counts of downloading indecent images and videos. The court was informed that Malone’s actions involved children as young as two years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material involved. Prosecutor Ian Evans stated that Malone had shown no remorse during the investigation but had acknowledged the use of software to cover his tracks.

In his defense, lawyer Brendan Carville emphasized Malone’s contributions to the community and his business. He explained that Malone had established a successful haulage firm employing 130 full-time staff, 20 part-time workers, and 200 subcontractors. The defense argued that Malone had dedicated significant time, resources, and financial support to young people through his voluntary activities. It was also suggested that Malone’s troubled childhood might have influenced his behavior, though this was not an excuse for his actions.

Judge Merfyn Hughes QC delivered the verdict, acknowledging Malone’s background and contributions but emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses. The judge stated, “I accept something unpleasant happened to you when you were a young boy. But I don’t accept that you simply looked at these images out of curiosity. It’s the view of the court there was some sexual motive.”

Malone was sentenced to eight months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to undergo supervision by the probation service for the same period and to attend any sex offenders’ programs as directed. Additionally, he was required to register as a sex offender for ten years and pay prosecution costs amounting to £1,000. The court’s decision reflected a balance between recognizing Malone’s prior contributions and the need to address the severity of his criminal conduct.