PAWAL ZDUNEK FROM WATFORD SENTENCED FOR VIEWING CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES IN ST ALBANS

In a case that has shocked the local community, Pawal Zdunek, a 28-year-old man originally from Watford, was formally sentenced after being found guilty of viewing and downloading child sex abuse images. The incident came to light in October of the previous year when police officers stopped Zdunek as he was leaving his residence on Muriel Avenue in Watford.

During the police stop, prosecutor Laura Blackband informed the court that Zdunek requested to speak with a lawyer and then proceeded to show officers his room. Authorities seized a computer tower along with two external hard drives for further investigation. When these devices were examined, they revealed a disturbing collection of illegal content. Specifically, investigators uncovered 161 images classified as Category C, which is considered the lowest level of severity, along with 25 movies at Level A, the most serious category. Additionally, there were nine movies at Level B and twelve at Level C.

In his police interview, Zdunek admitted that he preferred viewing images of girls in their late teens, which indicates a troubling pattern of interest. It is important to note that Zdunek, who now resides in St Albans, had previously pleaded guilty on October 21 of this year to four charges related to making and downloading indecent images of children.

During the court proceedings, Sarah Reed, representing Zdunek, highlighted that her client had no prior criminal record and that he had recently lost his employment, which could be indicative of the personal toll this case has taken on him. However, the presiding judge, Judge John Plumstead, was unequivocal in his condemnation. He stated, “You are going to prison if you do this again. You have lived a respectable life but for this disgraceful perverted curiosity. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

As part of his sentence, Zdunek was handed a three-year community order, which includes a requirement to undergo 60 days of rehabilitation. Furthermore, he is mandated to comply with a sexual harm prevention order and is required to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing need for monitoring and prevention of further offenses.