November 2012 Man downloaded 781 child abuse images, walks free from court A man who downloaded almost 800 indecent images of young girls has been given a suspended jail sentence. Owen Saunders (36) admitted possessing the illegal images, after police seized computers from two addresses he was linked with. Victoria Rose, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court officers examined a computer from a house in Cavendish Road, Saffron Lane estate, Leicester, in January 2010. They seized a second computer in Devonshire Road, off St Margaret’s Way, in the city, where Saunders was living. Miss Rose said the defendant was found to have accessed 781 images at level one – the least serious category on a scale of one to five. He also downloaded five images at level three and a film clip at level four. The majority of the images were of girls aged between 11 and 14. The defendant gave the police his computer passwords so they could be examined. Saunders, of Curzon Avenue, Birstall, further admitted possessing 58 prohibited “pseudo” images of illegal sexual activity not involving children. He was given a four-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, with supervision, and a requirement to attend a sex offender treatment programme. Saunders will have to enlist on a sex offender register for seven years and was placed on a sexual offences prevention order, enabling the authorities to monitor his future computer use. Carl Gaskell, mitigating, said: “It’s been two years since it came to light and the delay isn’t his fault. “He’s lived with this hanging over his head for that time.” Mr Gaskell said Saunders was willing to address his offending and there were “no aggravating features” in the case. Sentencing, Judge David Pugsley said: “We can’t underestimate the punishment of appearing in court and the shame it brings. “I don’t begin to understand how someone like you could become involved in this. “You pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, which has taken some courage. “You have friends who’ve stood by you and I’ve read marvellous references. “However, it’s difficult to think anyone with a healthy sexual interest would wish to see any of those photographs. It’s warped.” The judge said although the offences merited custody, the case “desperately” called for the intervention of a treatment programme.