CRAWLEY MAN MATTHEW STEVENS ESCAPES JAIL AFTER ONLINE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY INCIDENT IN CRAWLEY AND BEDFORDSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Crawley and the wider Bedfordshire area, Matthew Stevens, a 30-year-old resident of Worth Park Avenue, Pound Hill, Crawley, was brought before Hove Crown Court to face serious allegations related to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The incident began when Stevens engaged in an online conversation with a woman from Bedfordshire, whom he had never met in person. Over the course of their digital interactions, their exchanges became increasingly sexual in nature, culminating in Stevens sending her explicit photographs, some of which depicted children.

Following the receipt of these disturbing images, the woman was understandably horrified and promptly contacted the police authorities. An investigation ensued, during which law enforcement officials examined Stevens' computer. The forensic analysis revealed the presence of eight indecent images of children among a broader collection of adult pornography. Of these images, five were classified as level four on a five-tier scale used by police to gauge the severity of child abuse depicted, with level five representing the most serious offenses.

Prosecutor Dianne Chan outlined the case, stating that Stevens had initiated an online relationship with the woman in 2007. As their communication progressed, it became sexual, and he sent her explicit photographs, including those involving children. Defense attorney Robert Colover argued that Stevens had visited legal adult pornography sites but had inadvertently downloaded the child images. He explained that Stevens had clicked on blank boxes marked with question marks, which led to the accidental download of the illicit images.

It was also revealed that Stevens has no prior criminal convictions. However, he was described as a vulnerable individual suffering from Tourette’s syndrome and a history of psychiatric issues. The court was informed that psychiatric and probation reports concluded Stevens did not pose a risk to children and that he was genuinely disgusted by the images he possessed.

Judge Anthony Niblett acknowledged these findings, emphasizing that the reports indicated Stevens' remorse. He stated, “You should be disgusted. Each image represents a child abused.” The judge also noted that this incident was a blemish on what was otherwise considered a good character. Despite the severity of the charges, Stevens was sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to undergo supervision by the probation service for two years, complete 100 hours of unpaid community work, and sign the sex offenders register for a period of seven years.