LUKE KIRBY FROM FAVERSHAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER DOWNLOAD OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN MAIDSTONE

In July 2012, a case involving Luke Kirby, a car salesman from Faversham, drew significant attention as he was found to have downloaded a large number of indecent images of children. Despite the serious nature of his actions, Kirby was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment but received a relatively lenient sentence after a court hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.

Kirby, who was employed at F G Barnes in Maidstone at the time, admitted to downloading approximately 4,400 images and around 18 video clips depicting children in various states of abuse. The court heard that these illicit materials were acquired over a period, with the images and videos stored on his work computer. The case revealed that Kirby’s motivation was not driven by sexual gratification but rather by financial gain, which is considered highly unusual in cases of this nature.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd explained that Kirby had initially started this activity at work because he lacked internet access at home and wanted to conceal his activities from his partner. She stated, “He initially conducted this activity at work because he had no internet access at home and did not want his partner to find them.” Kirby reportedly told police that he was not a pervert and that his primary aim was to make money from selling the images. Among the videos found was a 20-minute clip showing an adult engaging in sexual activity with a young girl, highlighting the disturbing content involved.

During the court proceedings, Kirby’s defense lawyer, Sara Haroon, emphasized that the offences dated back to 2008 and that her client had been under significant personal strain. She explained that Kirby’s ex-partner had left him with substantial debts, which contributed to his decision to download the images. Haroon also stated that Kirby had viewed some of the images but was not sexually aroused by them, expressing his disgust for what he had seen. She added that Kirby had suffered a serious mental breakdown and was deeply remorseful for his actions.

Judge Martin Joy acknowledged the unusual circumstances of the case, noting that the case was out of the ordinary because Kirby’s actions were motivated by financial reasons rather than sexual motives. He pointed out that the delay in bringing the case to court, which began when the images were discovered in 2008, had caused Kirby considerable distress. The judge sentenced Kirby to four months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year with supervision, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for seven years. He also clarified that there was no need for a sexual offences prevention order in this case.

Judge Joy emphasized the gravity of downloading images of children, stating, “Downloading of images of children remains an extremely serious offence. There are real victims.” He acknowledged the impact on Kirby’s personal life and relationships but stressed that the case’s circumstances were exceptional. Kirby, now working as a merchandising manager at a supermarket in Faversham, was visibly emotional during the proceedings, and the court’s decision reflected a balance between understanding his personal circumstances and recognizing the severity of his actions.