PAUL BOOTH FROM GOOLE CAUGHT WITH OVER 1,500 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN HORRIFIC CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Goole, Paul Booth, a 38-year-old plasterer, was sentenced to a 12-month suspended jail term after being found in possession of more than 1,500 indecent images of children. The case was heard at Hull Crown Court last Friday, where Judge Roger Thorn, QC, addressed the severity of the offense and the implications for society.

Booth, who was formerly residing in Goole, claimed that his actions were merely a phase he was going through while browsing the internet. However, cyber detectives, who traced his online activity from the United States, uncovered evidence that contradicted his claims. The investigation was initiated after authorities received a tip-off linked to Operation Ore, a major UK police operation targeting online child exploitation.

On March 2 of the previous year, officers from the UK police force executed a search warrant at Booth’s former residence in Goole. Upon their arrival, Booth reportedly responded with a sense of resignation, stating, “How long ago was it? This must have been six or seven years ago. If it is before then, I will hold my hand up to it.” His immediate admission raised questions about the timeline of his offending.

The Crown’s barrister, Katterine Robinson, detailed the extent of the illegal material found. Booth admitted that he had obtained the images from newsgroups while searching for adult pornography, specifically seeking images of girls aged between 16 and 20. He claimed that he did not realize the images were indecent at the time and explained that his initial motivation was curiosity. Robinson explained that Booth’s collection included 1,037 images at level one, 315 at level two along with three movie files, 40 images at level three with three movies, 110 images at level four with 21 movies, and two of the most disturbing images at level five, which depicted children subjected to ritual abuse.

The court also heard that Booth’s neighbors in Goole had become aware of the charges, leading to social ostracism. Social services had intervened, ordering him to move out of his home, which significantly limited his contact with his children, aged eight and four. Booth, who provided a bail address in Doncaster, pleaded guilty to ten counts of possessing indecent images of children.

During the sentencing, Booth appeared in court dressed in a suit and tie, presenting a visibly distressed figure. He turned pale as he listened to the judge’s remarks, with his wife watching from the public gallery. His defense lawyer, Steven Garth, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that Booth was overwhelmed with shame and guilt for bringing disgrace upon his family. Garth emphasized that Booth’s weakness was in downloading and viewing the images, and he did not wish to delve into the details of the material.

Garth also highlighted the personal toll on Booth, noting that family friends had distanced themselves, and his contact with his children was limited to twice a week. Despite the turmoil, his wife remained supportive. The family had since relocated to a different area to start anew.

Judge Thorn sentenced Booth to a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he ordered Booth to undergo a sex offenders’ treatment program and to register on the National Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years. Before concluding the hearing, the judge warned Booth, “You do appreciate you have come close to going to prison today,” underscoring the seriousness of his actions and the potential consequences he narrowly avoided.