PAUL REAST FROM CARLTON JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN YORK
| Red Rose Database
Carlton Child Sexual Abuser
In a serious case of child exploitation and possession of indecent images, Paul Reast, a 44-year-old resident of Carlton near Selby, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the distribution and possession of child pornography. The incident came to light after police executed a search warrant at his home, uncovering a disturbing collection of illicit material stored on his computer.
During the police raid, officers discovered a total of 196 indecent images and 110 video clips depicting children, some of which were classified as 'level five'—the most severe category, including content involving bestiality and sadism. The images and videos dated back to as early as 2000, with some of the children depicted being under the age of 16. The severity of the material prompted immediate concern from law enforcement authorities.
Prosecutor James Robinson explained that a specialized police unit specializing in cybercrime traced an internet account named 'Hound Dog' used for file sharing. This account was linked to Reast’s home address, leading to the subsequent seizure of his computer and several DVDs. The hard drive contained a significant number of illicit images and videos, some of which were edited into clips on DVDs that could be played on standard home entertainment systems.
Reast, who lives with his wife on Manor Farm Close in Carlton, was interviewed following the police operation. He claimed that the images appeared on his computer screen without his knowledge and insisted he did not create the DVDs himself. However, the evidence was damning, and the court heard that ten of the videos found were rated as 'level five,' indicating the most serious offenses involving extreme content.
In his defense, Reast stated that he had been a victim of child abuse himself, and he had attempted to take his own life multiple times. His legal representative, John Boumphrey, highlighted that there was a limited number of images on his computer from the period between 2000 and 2004, suggesting a relatively small collection compared to the severity of the charges.
Despite these mitigating circumstances, Judge Paul Hoffman, the Honorary Recorder of York, emphasized the seriousness of the crimes. He acknowledged Reast’s history of abuse and vulnerability but expressed disbelief at Reast’s explanation for creating the DVDs, which appeared to be intended for sharing with others. The judge stated, 'The risk you present in the future is low but quantifiable, and there must be an element of custody.'
Reast was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a further three years on license, during which he will be required to attend a sex offender rehabilitation program. Additionally, his name will be entered onto the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. The court did not display the indecent material in open court, citing the absence of the police officer responsible for the case, who was unavailable at the time. The judge remarked, 'I have seen enough of these cases to be able to do justice from the descriptions. But the officer—rest day or no—should have been here to produce the material.'
During the police raid, officers discovered a total of 196 indecent images and 110 video clips depicting children, some of which were classified as 'level five'—the most severe category, including content involving bestiality and sadism. The images and videos dated back to as early as 2000, with some of the children depicted being under the age of 16. The severity of the material prompted immediate concern from law enforcement authorities.
Prosecutor James Robinson explained that a specialized police unit specializing in cybercrime traced an internet account named 'Hound Dog' used for file sharing. This account was linked to Reast’s home address, leading to the subsequent seizure of his computer and several DVDs. The hard drive contained a significant number of illicit images and videos, some of which were edited into clips on DVDs that could be played on standard home entertainment systems.
Reast, who lives with his wife on Manor Farm Close in Carlton, was interviewed following the police operation. He claimed that the images appeared on his computer screen without his knowledge and insisted he did not create the DVDs himself. However, the evidence was damning, and the court heard that ten of the videos found were rated as 'level five,' indicating the most serious offenses involving extreme content.
In his defense, Reast stated that he had been a victim of child abuse himself, and he had attempted to take his own life multiple times. His legal representative, John Boumphrey, highlighted that there was a limited number of images on his computer from the period between 2000 and 2004, suggesting a relatively small collection compared to the severity of the charges.
Despite these mitigating circumstances, Judge Paul Hoffman, the Honorary Recorder of York, emphasized the seriousness of the crimes. He acknowledged Reast’s history of abuse and vulnerability but expressed disbelief at Reast’s explanation for creating the DVDs, which appeared to be intended for sharing with others. The judge stated, 'The risk you present in the future is low but quantifiable, and there must be an element of custody.'
Reast was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a further three years on license, during which he will be required to attend a sex offender rehabilitation program. Additionally, his name will be entered onto the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. The court did not display the indecent material in open court, citing the absence of the police officer responsible for the case, who was unavailable at the time. The judge remarked, 'I have seen enough of these cases to be able to do justice from the descriptions. But the officer—rest day or no—should have been here to produce the material.'