LEE TIDBALL FROM EXETER JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ON MOBILE PHONES
In a serious case that has shocked the community of Exeter, a man named Lee Tidball has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of possessing and distributing indecent images of minors.The incident came to light when authorities discovered the disturbing content on his mobile devices during a routine check at the residential scheme where he was residing in Topsham Road, Countess Wear.
According to court reports, the images were initially uncovered when a staff member at the residential facility examined Tidball’s phones.
It was revealed that he had downloaded these illicit images from the internet onto his two mobile phones and had also forwarded several of these images to a friend he had met through an online website.
The images ranged in severity from level one to the most serious, level five, with a total of 59 images and videos stored on his devices.
Lee Tidball, aged 30, who worked part-time as a shelf stacker at Sainsbury’s supermarket, faced multiple charges in connection with these images.
He pleaded guilty to ten counts of making indecent images of children, two counts of possession, and three counts of distribution.
The court was informed that staff at the residential scheme had the authority to search his belongings, which led to the discovery of the incriminating material.
Details about Tidball’s personal background or the reasons for his supervision were not disclosed during the proceedings.
However, it was noted that he had no previous criminal record.
Prosecutor Howard Phillips stated that the images were found while Tidball was at work last April.
The investigation revealed that his phones, which had internet access, contained a total of 59 images and videos, with some of the images being forwarded to a friend.
During the court hearing, Tidball maintained that he did not have a sexual interest in children.
He claimed that his attitude had changed over the years and that he had grown out of such interests.
Defense lawyer David Sapiecha explained that both his legal team and the probation service had explored options for community-based help, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
Sapiecha emphasized that Tidball, despite his problems, was still relatively young and that a lack of available support could lead to future issues.
The judge, Paul Darlow, acknowledged the efforts made by the probation service to find alternative solutions but concluded that Tidball was unlikely to comply with a community sentence.
As a result, he sentenced Tidball to 26 weeks in prison.
Additionally, the court imposed a Sex Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect until further notice.
Tidball was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the next seven years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.
This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the possession and distribution of child exploitation material, and the community of Exeter will undoubtedly be affected by the sentencing of Lee Tidball for his actions.
