LEE BENNETT FROM PAIGNTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN DEVON

In a case that has shocked the community of Paignton, Devon, 34-year-old Lee Bennett has been ordered to participate in a sex offender treatment programme following his conviction related to the possession and download of indecent images of children.

The incident came to light in November 2020 when police executed a search warrant at Bennett’s residence on Kinghurst Drive. During the raid, officers discovered dozens of images depicting child abuse on his mobile device. The severity of the material found was significant, with prosecutors revealing that 13 of the images showed some of the most serious forms of child exploitation, including children as young as five or six years old.

Initially, Bennett denied any sexual interest in children, attempting to dismiss the allegations. However, during his court appearance, he admitted to three counts of making or downloading indecent images. The court heard that his internet search history also indicated a disturbing interest in children, further implicating him in the offences.

The offences spanned over a period of more than two years, according to prosecutor Felicity Payne. She emphasized the disturbing nature of the images and the duration of the offending. Despite the gravity of the case, Bennett was spared immediate imprisonment after a psychological assessment deemed him a suitable candidate for rehabilitation.

Judge David Evans, presiding over the case, noted that the relatively small number of images should have been handled by magistrates rather than the Crown Court. He explained that the case had been delayed due to the extensive time required to analyze Bennett’s device. Ultimately, Bennett was sentenced to an eight-month prison term, suspended for 18 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffended within that period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Bennett was ordered to complete the Horizon sex offender treatment programme and undertake 30 days of rehabilitation work with probation services. Furthermore, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his online activity to prevent further offending and protect potential victims. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offences are treated, especially given the vulnerable nature of the victims involved.