LESLEY SILK FROM DISS FACES COURT OVER HUNDREDS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN NORWICH

In August 2022, a man from Diss, Leslie Silk, aged 60, appeared before Norwich Crown Court to face serious allegations related to the possession of a large number of indecent images of children. Silk, who resides at Field House Gardens in Diss, pleaded guilty to three charges concerning the creation and possession of such images, which were committed on or before June 2, 2020.

The court was informed that the charges involved a disturbing collection of images, including 66 of the most severe Category A indecent photographs of children. In addition, there were 70 images classified as Category B and a further 256 images categorized as Category C. These categories reflect the varying degrees of severity and explicitness of the images, with Category A being the most serious.

Judge Anthony Bate presided over the case and acknowledged the gravity of the offences. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the judge suggested that the offences might be considered suitable for a community-based punishment. However, he emphasized the importance of understanding Silk’s potential risk of reoffending and the danger he might pose to children in the future. To this end, the court ordered a pre-sentence report, which will help determine whether a sexual harm prevention order is appropriate and what specific conditions it should include.

Leslie Silk was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the possession and distribution of child exploitation material and the importance of thorough assessments before sentencing in such serious cases.