MICHAEL HARVEY FROM HELSTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN CORNWALL

In August 2011, a disturbing case involving a former teaching assistant from Helston came to light, highlighting the serious issue of child exploitation and online abuse. Michael John Harvey, aged 22, who previously worked at a primary school in Cornwall, faced the court after being found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. His actions, which involved the download and viewing of hundreds of such images, have shocked the local community and raised urgent concerns about online safety and child protection.

Harvey appeared before Truro Crown Court for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to multiple charges. The court heard that he had committed 15 specimen charges of making indecent images of children, with a total of 290 images downloaded onto his computer. These images spanned all five categories used to measure the severity of child abuse material, indicating a disturbing range of content involving victims of various ages and levels of exploitation.

During the brief sentencing hearing, Harvey, dressed in a suit and tie, stood in the dock at Truro Crown Court and confirmed his identity. The presiding judge, Paul Darlow, sentenced him to a three-year sex offender treatment program, a requirement to sign the Sex Offender Register, and ordered him to pay costs amounting to £500. The court's decision underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded, especially given Harvey’s previous role as an educator.

Prosecutor Philip Lee provided details of the police investigation, revealing that authorities raided Harvey’s residence in Helston on September 15 of the previous year. During the raid, officers discovered an indecent image of a child displayed on Harvey’s computer monitor. Lee explained that Harvey admitted during his initial police interview that he had been accessing child pornography websites for some time and that he had a sexual interest in children, specifically mentioning an age range starting from around 14 years old and upwards. However, he also acknowledged that the images he viewed included much younger children, which added to the gravity of his offenses.

Harvey’s defense attorney, Christopher Spencer, highlighted that his client had no prior criminal record. Spencer also noted that Harvey had been living with his parents since losing his job, choosing not to claim benefits, which suggested some level of remorse or responsibility.

Following the case, Detective Sergeant Steve Rome of the Child Exploitation Unit issued a stark warning, emphasizing the importance of addressing such behaviors before they escalate. He stated, “The judge has sent a message to these people who have a sexual interest in children and who use the internet to access child pornography: get help or get caught.”

In response to the allegations, Cornwall Council confirmed that Harvey resigned from his teaching position immediately after the allegations surfaced. He left his employment at the primary school in Helston on September 17, 2010, demonstrating a swift response from the educational authorities to the serious accusations against him.