MATTHEW WILMAN FROM WEST WOODBURN CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORN AND EXTREME IMAGES AT HEREFORD CROWN COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Matthew Wilman, a resident of West Woodburn, was brought before Hereford Crown Court to face serious charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent images involving children and extreme pornography. The incident came to light after Wilman, aged 41, was arrested following an incident where he displayed inappropriate images during a session with a relationship counsellor.

The court heard that the police became aware of Wilman's activities after an appointment in Wolverhampton with counsellor Dawn Wilson. During this session, which took place on March 16, 2017, Wilman confided in Miss Wilson about his struggles with forming romantic relationships. According to the prosecution, Wilman had previously sought help from Relate in Worcester but was unable to receive assistance there. It was also revealed that during the appointment, Wilman expressed controversial views about paedophilia, claiming that society's harsh punishments were unjust and that paedophilia should be accepted as a sexual preference.

During the session, Wilman brought along a folder containing various images, which he showed to Miss Wilson. These images included extreme pornographic material and indecent photographs of children. The prosecutor, Jason Aris, stated that Wilman dismissed the images as being 'quite normal.' This behaviour raised immediate concerns, leading to his arrest at his home address in West Woodburn on March 25. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered the folder containing the illicit images.

Wilman admitted that the folder was part of a project he had been working on for the past two years, which the court considered a disturbing detail. The images included in the folder were linked to his personal interests and activities, but the nature of the content was highly illegal and morally reprehensible.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC addressed the court, emphasizing that Wilman's actions did not constitute typical online sharing or distribution. Instead, the judge noted that Wilman believed he was seeking help by showing the images to someone he thought could assist him. Unfortunately, this misguided attempt led to criminal charges.

As a result of his actions, Wilman was sentenced to a three-year community order. This included 40 days of rehabilitation activity and mandatory participation in a sex offenders' group programme. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of seven years. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will be in effect for ten years. This order restricts Wilman from using any computer or device with internet access unless he notifies the police within three days of doing so, aiming to prevent any future offences.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat the possession and distribution of illegal images, especially those involving minors. Wilman's case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in such criminal activities, and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation and abuse.