LLOYD BURNETT FROM SETTLE AND SKIPTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND BESTIALITY

Lloyd Burnett, a 25-year-old resident of Belle Vue Terrace, who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, has been formally sentenced after admitting to possessing a large collection of indecent images of children, as well as an extreme pornographic image involving an adult woman and a small dog. The offences took place at a premises near Settle, and the case was heard at Bradford Crown Court on February 20, with His Honour Judge Colin Burn presiding.

Burnett's criminal activities included the creation and possession of a significant number of indecent images of minors. The court was informed that he had accumulated a total of 2,372 images classified as Category A, which denotes the most severe level of child exploitation material. Additionally, he possessed 911 images categorized as B and 1,806 images classified as C. These images were found to include both still photographs and moving images, indicating a substantial and disturbing collection. The offences were committed on May 18, 2021.

Authorities arrested Burnett at his home, where they seized an Apple iPhone. A forensic examination of the device revealed the presence of the illicit images, confirming his involvement in the possession of such material. It was also disclosed during the court proceedings that Burnett had a prior conviction related to similar offences when he was just 15 years old, approximately a decade earlier.

During sentencing, Judge Burn acknowledged the severity of the offences but also recognized Burnett's mental health condition. The judge explained that the maximum penalty for possessing Category A images alone would typically be one year in prison. However, he emphasized that incarceration might not be the most appropriate course of action, considering Burnett's need for ongoing support and the challenges posed by his Asperger's Syndrome. The judge stated that a custodial sentence would not serve the best interests of rehabilitation.

Instead, Judge Burn opted for a more rehabilitative approach. He sentenced Burnett to a three-year community order for each of the offences, with all sentences running concurrently. The community order includes a requirement of 40 days of rehabilitation activity, aimed at addressing his offending behavior. Furthermore, Burnett was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years and was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

As part of the conditions, the rehabilitation activities are scheduled to take place in Leeds, and Burnett is required to attend all appointments. He must also inform police if he plans to move from his current address in Skipton during the duration of his community order. Additionally, Burnett was ordered to pay a surcharge of £95. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the iPhone seized during his arrest.

Overall, the case highlights the serious nature of online child exploitation and the importance of tailored sentencing that considers mental health and rehabilitation needs. Burnett's case underscores ongoing concerns about the proliferation of such material and the necessity for comprehensive support systems for offenders with mental health conditions.