MAHESH PATEL OF WALSALL AVOIDS JAIL AFTER CHILD EXPLOITATION CASE
In July 2014, Mahesh Patel, a father of two from Flaxhall Street, Walsall, was found to possess hundreds of indecent images and videos of children.Despite the severity of the crimes, he did not receive a prison sentence.
Instead, Wolverhampton Crown Court Judge Martin Walsh decided that treatment would serve the community better.
Judge Walsh emphasized the seriousness of Patel’s actions, stating, “These are not victimless crimes.
The images you downloaded and distributed show the real abuse of real children.” The judge acknowledged that Patel, 45, deserved to go to prison but concluded that mental health treatment was the most appropriate course to prevent future offending.
Patel admitted to 12 charges related to making and possessing indecent images and five charges of distributing such material.
Prosecutor Alistair Redford revealed that Patel had been found with 615 still images of children and 34 moving images, and he distributed 276 stills alongside 43 videos.
As part of his sentence, Patel was placed on supervised probation for three years, with the condition that he attend the Sex Offenders Programme.
He was also issued a 10-year Sexual Offenders Protection Order and is required to register as a sex offender for five years.
Christopher Loach, defending Patel, told the court that his client was “deeply ashamed” of his actions.
Loach added that Patel recognized the need for help, had already taken steps to address his issues, and was committed to turning his life around.
