MARTIN BEESON CHILES PETERBOROUGH PERVERT AVOIDS JAIL IN COURTROOM OUTRAGE
In a highly controversial decision, a judge in Peterborough sparked outrage when he sentenced convicted paedophile Martin Beeson, also known as Martin Chiles, to a period of probation rather than imprisonment.The case drew intense public and family reactions, highlighting the perceived leniency of the judicial system in handling serious offenses involving children.
Judge Peter de Mille presided over the case and expressed his awareness of the public's likely disapproval.
Beeson, aged 38, was found guilty of possessing obscene photographs of a sleeping five-year-old girl.
Despite the gravity of the crime, the judge opted for a sentence of three years probation, citing the need for Beeson to attend a sex offenders' rehabilitation program as a condition of his release.
The judge explained that this approach would serve the public's best interest by ensuring ongoing monitoring and control through the Probation Service, rather than a relatively short prison term.
The court heard that Beeson had established a relationship with the girl’s mother, who allowed her to stay at his flat.
Unbeknownst to her, Beeson had taken indecent photographs of the sleeping child.
It was also revealed that Beeson had recently moved to Mount Pleasant Road, Wisbech, from the Ortons area of Peterborough.
Notably, he had changed his name from Martin Chiles via deed poll.
His criminal history includes convictions for indecent assault on a seven-year-old girl prior to 1993 and an earlier conviction for indecent exposure.
The photographs came to light only after Beeson’s falling out with the child's mother, who grew suspicious upon learning about his criminal record.
The judge emphasized that the maximum penalty under Section One of the Protection of Children Act (1978) is three years.
However, due to time off for guilty pleas and parole considerations, Beeson was expected to serve just over a year in custody.
Judge de Mille acknowledged the public's likely dismay at the sentence, expressing regret that Parliament had not increased the maximum penalty for such offenses.
As the courtroom erupted with angry questions from relatives, one individual remarked that the child and her mother might have to relocate to escape Beeson's potential reappearance.
The girl’s mother expressed her fear that Beeson could come knocking at her door at any time, stating, "He’s walked and she will have to leave home.
She can’t feel safe with him around." Reactions from advocacy groups and campaigners were swift.
Sara Payne, who has become a prominent voice for tougher sentencing following the tragic murder of her own daughter, Sarah, aged eight, criticized the decision.
She told The Evening Telegraph, “Judges’ reasoning goes out of the window these days.
It’s really time we started looking at sentencing and preventing children from being hurt.
It’s disgusting, it really is.
It’s time children started being put first.” Defense attorney Mike Magee explained that Beeson intended to marry a woman who, due to medical reasons, could not have children, and that their relationship was a source of support for him.
The case continues to raise questions about the adequacy of current sentencing policies for crimes involving children and the safety of victims in the aftermath of such legal decisions.
