NORMAN KELWAY SCOUT LEADER FROM PLYMOUTH CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF CHILD PORN IMAGES
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, Norman Kelway, a well-known scout leader and customs officer, was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images involving minors.The incident came to light during a police investigation that uncovered Kelway’s extensive digital collection, which included over 400 photographs depicting young boys in compromising and inappropriate situations.
Kelway, aged 48 and residing on Erlstoke Close in Plymouth, faced serious charges in Plymouth Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, including the distribution of an indecent image of a boy, the creation of an indecent photograph of a child, and the possession of numerous indecent images of children.
The court heard that these images were stored on his home computer, which was examined as part of an investigation initiated by Dorset police authorities.
The court was informed that Kelway held positions of trust and responsibility, serving as an assistant county commissioner for the Devon Scout Association and working as a Customs and Excise officer in Plymouth.
Despite his roles, the court emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting he had acted on his sexual interests during his official duties.
Judge Francis Gilbert acknowledged this, stating that there was no indication Kelway had allowed his inappropriate interests to influence his professional conduct.
During the proceedings, Llewellyn Sellick, representing Kelway, highlighted that the most serious offense was the distribution of a single image depicting a naked boy.
He argued that Kelway, who had previously been considered a person of good character, had been influenced by his work environment, which involved viewing adult pornography.
Sellick explained that Kelway had been 'lured into pornography' through his employment, which exposed him to various adult images, and that he had subsequently sought out similar material on his personal computer, specifically targeting images of minors.
In light of the offenses, Kelway was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order and was required to sign the sex offenders register for five years.
The judge’s decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed, despite the absence of evidence linking his actions to any abuse or exploitation of minors in real life.
The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and the importance of monitoring individuals in positions of trust within the community.
