LIAM FISHER, CHIPPING CAMDEN DRESSAGE TRAINER, JAILED FOR HORSE PORN AND CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In March 2016, Liam Fisher, a renowned dressage trainer from Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing discoveries revealed his involvement in possessing and distributing extreme and illegal pornography involving both animals and children.

Fisher, aged 37, who had previously worked with Olympic gold medalists and trained competitors at prestigious events such as Badminton and Burghley, was found to have an extensive collection of illicit material on his electronic devices. The investigation was initiated when police on the Isle of Wight arrested a man connected to Fisher, leading to a search of Fisher’s residence at Norton Grounds Farm in Chipping Camden. During the search, officers uncovered a shocking array of illegal content, prompting Fisher to confess to his crimes.

Prosecutor Brendon Moorhouse detailed the extent of Fisher’s illegal holdings, which included 219 images classified as extreme pornography, predominantly depicting sexual acts involving horses and dogs. Additionally, authorities discovered 182 indecent photographs and videos featuring minors, ranging from infants to 16-year-olds. Of these, 97 images were categorized as the most harmful, with 58 falling into a mid-level harm category and 27 considered less severe. The police also found that Fisher had transferred 237 indecent images via Skype, indicating active distribution of such material.

Further investigations revealed that Fisher had engaged in online conversations with another man, during which he believed he was communicating with an eight-year-old boy. Fisher encouraged the other individual to commit sexual offenses online against this supposed child. However, it was later clarified that no such brother or child existed, and the entire scenario was fabricated or misrepresented.

Fisher’s professional life was notable; he was based at Norton Grounds Farm in Chipping Camden and had built a reputation as a skilled dressage trainer. His career included assisting Olympic champions and guiding competitors at major equestrian events like Badminton and Burghley. Despite his success, his personal life took a drastic turn following a breakup, which the court heard had a profound and destructive impact on his mental health and career.

Defense lawyer David Maunder expressed Fisher’s remorse and shame, emphasizing that his client was an intelligent and sensitive individual who was overwhelmed by his actions. Maunder stated, “Mr Fisher is an intelligent man, a sensitive man. For that reason he is crippled with embarrassment and shame at the position that he finds himself in. He makes no attempt whatsoever to excuse his behaviour.”

Fisher, who now resides in East London, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making and distributing indecent images of children, possessing such images, and possessing extreme pornography. He was sentenced to two years and five months in prison.

Judge Michael Cullum addressed Fisher directly, condemning his actions and the harm caused to innocent children. “The reality is that you are responsible for the rape of children, very young children, children from infants to babies. That’s the responsibility you bear by fueling a market where real children have been witnessed by you having their lives ruined,” the judge stated.

In addition to his prison sentence, Fisher was subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with minors. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, and his electronic devices were confiscated for destruction. The court’s proceedings highlighted the severity of Fisher’s crimes and the lasting impact on the victims and society as a whole.