FAREHAM MAN KIRK BRADBURY CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 400 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Fareham community, Kirk Bradbury, a 38-year-old resident of Gosport Road, was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images of children.The incident came to light after police raided his home on June 30 of the previous year, leading to a detailed investigation into his digital activities.
Initially, Bradbury claimed that the images had appeared on his computer due to unsolicited pop-up advertisements, a common excuse used by individuals caught in such cases.
However, after police examined his electronic devices, including his mobile phone and computer, they uncovered a total of 371 illicit images and videos.
These materials depicted children ranging from infants to teenagers, highlighting the severity of the offense.
Further investigation revealed that Bradbury had engaged in online exchanges with a known pervert in America.
During these communications, he shared a link to a Dropbox file-sharing account that contained numerous indecent images.
This act of distribution added a serious dimension to his charges.
Among the images, one was of a child but was not classified as indecent; Bradbury claimed it was intended for a 'scrapbook,' a justification that did little to mitigate the gravity of the situation.
The images and videos found on his devices were categorized by severity.
A total of 126 videos and 17 still images fell into Category A, which is designated for the most serious material.
Additionally, there were 66 movies and 14 still images classified as Category B.
The remaining content included 40 movies and 94 images in Category C.
Bradbury’s Samsung mobile phone alone contained one Category A image and 14 images in Category C.
Prosecutor Martyn Booth emphasized that all these materials involved children from infants to teenagers, underscoring the disturbing nature of the case.
During police interviews, Bradbury admitted to viewing legal pornography but denied any sexual interest in children.
He claimed that he obtained the illicit images from Dropbox links and stated he did not remember actively revisiting the indecent images.
Despite his denials, the evidence of exchanged messages with the American individual and the digital content found on his devices painted a different picture.
Bradbury was formally charged with distributing indecent images of children and making indecent images.
He accepted responsibility for the images but maintained that he did not have a sexual interest in children, a claim that was met with skepticism by the prosecution.
Prosecutor Booth argued that the evidence clearly demonstrated a 'plain sexual interest in children.' In a probation report, Bradbury was described as being at low risk of re-offending and was considered suitable for rehabilitation courses.
The court heard that he had no previous convictions related to such offenses, had a supportive family, and was actively caring for his ill father.
These factors influenced the judge’s decision.
During sentencing, Judge David Melville QC acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but chose to avoid a custodial sentence.
He highlighted Bradbury’s lack of prior convictions, his family support, and his partial admissions as mitigating factors.
The judge also noted that Bradbury had assisted his ailing father, which contributed to his decision.
As a result, Bradbury was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes 30 days of rehabilitation activities.
He is also required to pay £750 in prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
Additionally, a five-year order restricts his internet use, and he must register as a sex offender for five years.
The court’s ruling reflects the ongoing concern over child exploitation and the importance of monitoring offenders even when jail time is avoided.
