CHELTENHAM MAN KEVIN MARRIOTT SENTENCED FOR DECADE-LONG CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CRIME

In August 2013, a disturbing case unfolded at Gloucester Crown Court involving Kevin Marriott, a resident of Tennyson Road, St Mark's, Cheltenham, who was found guilty of possessing and creating a significant collection of indecent images of children. The court heard that Marriott, aged 42, had been engaged in this illicit activity for approximately ten years, during which he accumulated thousands of such images on his personal computers.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC addressed Marriott directly, expressing the profound impact of his actions on his life. The judge remarked that Marriott's entire world had been shattered by the revelation of his decade-long addiction to child pornography. The court was told that Marriott pleaded guilty to 19 separate charges related to the making and possession of these illegal images. The images ranged in severity from Level One, indicating the least serious, to Level Five, the most severe, and involved children as young as three years old.

During the hearing, Marriott appeared in the dock carrying a large holdall, seemingly prepared for an immediate custodial sentence. However, the court ultimately sentenced him to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. Judge Tabor emphasized the gravity of Marriott's misconduct, stating, "You had a partner, a daughter, and an excellent job, but because of your addiction to this filth, your entire world has come crashing down around you, and you have lost everything."

The judge further condemned Marriott's actions, highlighting the heinous nature of the abuse depicted in the images. He pointed out that in one instance, a three-year-old girl was filmed being abused by adults, describing such acts as utterly wicked. The court noted that Marriott, like others who consume such material, was complicit in the exploitation of vulnerable children, who are sexually abused and exploited by adults for the gratification of individuals like him.

Judge Tabor also addressed the impact on Marriott's family, some of whom were present in the public gallery. He stated that his actions had brought disgrace, embarrassment, and humiliation to his loved ones, further underscoring the destructive consequences of his behavior.

Marriott's defense lawyer, Jon Holmes, acknowledged his client's previous good character but emphasized that Marriott had kept this dark secret hidden for years. Holmes explained that Marriott's entrenched addiction had cost him everything and that he was in need of help to overcome his compulsive behavior. The court was informed that Marriott was identified after he posted certain material on Facebook while visiting the United States.

In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Marriott was ordered to participate in an intensive 60-session Thames Valley Sexual Offenders Programme, pay costs of £400, and was required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The case served as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of child exploitation and the importance of rigorous legal action to combat such heinous crimes.