PETER GODDARD BRISTOL CHILD ABUSE IMAGES OFFENCES
In January 2018, a man from Bristol named Peter Goddard narrowly avoided imprisonment after admitting to possessing and downloading indecent images of children.The case was heard at Swindon Crown Court, where it was revealed that Goddard had actively searched for highly disturbing material online, including terms such as 'little girl rape,' 'teen underage sex,' and 'kiddie incest.' Authorities became aware of his activities through intelligence reports, prompting a police raid on his residence in Melksham in March of that year.
During the search, officers confiscated his laptop, which was found to contain file-sharing software and a collection of illicit material.
The files included two videos, lasting 11 and 14.5 minutes respectively, along with seven images classified at the most severe level of indecency, and additional images at intermediate levels.
Goddard, who provided his sister’s address in Bristol during court proceedings, denied any sexual gratification from the material, claiming he had stumbled upon it accidentally.
His wife was interviewed by police as part of the investigation, as Goddard insisted he had no intent or desire related to the content.
Prosecutor Hannah Squire outlined that Goddard had committed three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing extreme pornography.
Despite his denials, he acknowledged during the hearing that he had a sexual interest in children and revealed that he was undertaking a course through the Lucy Faithful Foundation aimed at addressing his issues.
Defense lawyer Mike Pulsford emphasized that Goddard was the sole breadwinner for his family, which included an autistic son, and that aside from benefits, the family had no other income.
He also noted that his client’s wife remained supportive.
Judge Robert Pawson delivered the sentence, stating, “Somewhere on this planet, an eight-year-old child was blindfolded and raped for the sexual satisfaction of individuals like you.
Your downloading of these images directly contributes to the creation of such material, and you are responsible for the harm inflicted on children through sexual abuse.” Goddard was sentenced to a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities and 100 hours of unpaid community service.
He was also required to pay £500 in court costs, and he must adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
Furthermore, he is mandated to register as a sex offender for the same period.
