MARK TAGGART FROM CHESHAM ESCAPES PRISON AFTER INDECENT IMAGES OFFENSES

In June 2017, Mark Taggart, a 34-year-old resident of Overdale Road in Chesham, found himself at the center of a serious legal case involving multiple charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of minors. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, leading to a series of sentences that, while severe, ultimately resulted in Taggart avoiding immediate imprisonment.

Specifically, Taggart was convicted of making indecent photographs and pseudo-photographs of a child on three separate occasions. The court handed down sentences of 17 weeks for the first offense, 12 weeks for the second, and another 12 weeks for the third. However, these sentences were ordered to run concurrently, meaning he would serve only the longest term, which was 17 weeks, but this was suspended for a period of 24 months. This suspension effectively means that Taggart will not serve time in prison unless he commits another offense within that period.

In addition to these charges, Taggart was found guilty of possessing an extreme pornographic image depicting an act that threatened life. For this offense, he received a sentence of 17 weeks, also suspended for 24 months. The combination of these sentences reflects the court’s recognition of the seriousness of his actions, yet the decision to suspend the sentences indicates a consideration of his circumstances and potential for rehabilitation.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and judicial authorities in addressing crimes involving indecent images, especially those involving minors. The fact that Taggart’s sentences were suspended means that he will not serve time in prison unless he breaches the conditions of his suspension during the two-year period. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for continued efforts to combat such offenses in communities like Chesham.