LEATHERHEAD MAN LUKE USHER JAILED FOR POSSESSING OVER 19,000 INDECENT CHILD IMAGES
| Red Rose Database
Leatherhead Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Leatherhead, Luke Usher, a 28-year-old resident of Church Street, was sentenced to six months in prison after admitting to possessing a staggering collection of more than 19,000 indecent images of children. The proceedings took place at Guildford Crown Court, where Usher faced 28 charges related to the creation, possession, and distribution of these illicit images over the internet.
Usher, known locally as a churchgoer who often engaged in voluntary work and lived with his parents, was described by his own legal representative as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' character, highlighting the complex and troubling nature of his personality. The case was initiated when police executed a raid on his parents' residence on April 17 of the previous year, seizing three computers during the operation.
Prosecutor Jill Beale detailed the events, stating, “He was on the computer at the time and made an admission that he had secreted the images so they wouldn’t be discovered.” The authorities uncovered thousands of indecent images, including 435 from the most severe category five, which indicates the most explicit and harmful content.
The investigation revealed that Usher-Somers had downloaded numerous indecent images and stored them on his computer, which legally constitutes 'making' such images, although he was not directly involved in taking any photographs himself. Evidence also showed that he used the GigaTribe file-sharing system to distribute at least three images over the internet, although no financial transactions were involved in these exchanges.
During the court proceedings, Ms. Beale explained that Usher-Somers engaged in online chats, initially seeking to establish common interests with others, and once trust was built, he began sharing the illicit images. This pattern of behavior underscores the calculated manner in which he operated within the online community.
Defense attorney Keith Goodhand presented character references that painted a different picture of Usher-Somers, describing him as a shy and withdrawn individual who was actively involved in his local community. He acknowledged the presence of a significant character flaw and suggested that Usher-Somers might have an addictive or compulsive personality. Mr. Goodhand also revealed that the defendant had voluntarily attended a treatment course aimed at addressing his offending behavior, which he financed himself, emphasizing his genuine efforts to seek help.
Judge Michael Addison sentenced Usher-Somers to six months in prison, accompanied by a five-year sex prevention order that prohibits him from engaging in paid or voluntary work involving children. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register, and the court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the three computers seized during the raid.
In delivering his judgment, Judge Addison emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This case is so serious only a custodial sentence is justified. If people didn’t use images in the way you were using them, then other people wouldn’t make them, and ultimately it is real children that are being abused.” The judge also acknowledged that the sentence was somewhat lenient compared to the guidelines typically recommended for such offenses, citing the defendant’s guilty pleas, remorse, and efforts to reform as mitigating factors.
Usher, known locally as a churchgoer who often engaged in voluntary work and lived with his parents, was described by his own legal representative as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' character, highlighting the complex and troubling nature of his personality. The case was initiated when police executed a raid on his parents' residence on April 17 of the previous year, seizing three computers during the operation.
Prosecutor Jill Beale detailed the events, stating, “He was on the computer at the time and made an admission that he had secreted the images so they wouldn’t be discovered.” The authorities uncovered thousands of indecent images, including 435 from the most severe category five, which indicates the most explicit and harmful content.
The investigation revealed that Usher-Somers had downloaded numerous indecent images and stored them on his computer, which legally constitutes 'making' such images, although he was not directly involved in taking any photographs himself. Evidence also showed that he used the GigaTribe file-sharing system to distribute at least three images over the internet, although no financial transactions were involved in these exchanges.
During the court proceedings, Ms. Beale explained that Usher-Somers engaged in online chats, initially seeking to establish common interests with others, and once trust was built, he began sharing the illicit images. This pattern of behavior underscores the calculated manner in which he operated within the online community.
Defense attorney Keith Goodhand presented character references that painted a different picture of Usher-Somers, describing him as a shy and withdrawn individual who was actively involved in his local community. He acknowledged the presence of a significant character flaw and suggested that Usher-Somers might have an addictive or compulsive personality. Mr. Goodhand also revealed that the defendant had voluntarily attended a treatment course aimed at addressing his offending behavior, which he financed himself, emphasizing his genuine efforts to seek help.
Judge Michael Addison sentenced Usher-Somers to six months in prison, accompanied by a five-year sex prevention order that prohibits him from engaging in paid or voluntary work involving children. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register, and the court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the three computers seized during the raid.
In delivering his judgment, Judge Addison emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This case is so serious only a custodial sentence is justified. If people didn’t use images in the way you were using them, then other people wouldn’t make them, and ultimately it is real children that are being abused.” The judge also acknowledged that the sentence was somewhat lenient compared to the guidelines typically recommended for such offenses, citing the defendant’s guilty pleas, remorse, and efforts to reform as mitigating factors.