MUSICIANS FROM SAFFRON WALDEN, MATTHEW PATON, CONVICTED OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN CHELMSFORD

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention, Matthew Paton, a 34-year-old musician residing in Saffron Walden, was found guilty of possessing a large collection of child pornography images. The conviction was handed down on Friday, 29 April, at Chelmsford Crown Court, where jurors determined that Paton was in possession of more than 1,500 illicit images depicting minors.

During the trial, the jury acquitted Paton on eight other charges that alleged he had created indecent photographs of a child between February and November 1999. The court proceedings revealed that law enforcement officials had conducted a raid on Paton’s residence in June 2003, leading to the seizure of various computer equipment and a rucksack containing floppy disks. These items were subsequently examined, uncovering the disturbing collection of images.

It was established that out of the total 1,505 images found, 205 fell into the lowest category of severity, level one. An additional 147 images were classified as level two, while a staggering 944 images were categorized as level three, indicating a higher degree of severity. The collection also included 196 images classified as level four, and five images fell into the most serious category, level five, which is reserved for the most egregious material.

Judge Christopher Ball QC addressed Paton directly during sentencing, stating, “Having heard the evidence in the trial, I have no doubt whatsoever you were fully aware these images were in your possession.” The judge emphasized the gravity of such conduct, warning that society views this type of behavior with extreme abhorrence. He made it clear that possessing such material is a criminal offense that warrants strict punishment.

As part of his sentence, Paton was sentenced to six months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to remain on license for a further two and a half years. The court also mandated that he sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and imposed a disqualification order preventing him from working with children.

Defense counsel John McGhee highlighted that Paton’s personal life was in disarray at the time, citing issues related to drug and alcohol abuse. He described Paton’s home environment as an “open house” due to his naivety and lack of awareness. However, McGhee assured the court that Paton was taking steps to address his personal problems and to put his life back on track.