FOLKESTONE PAEDOPHILE PETER SELLEY SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR CHILD IMAGE ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Folkestone, Peter Selley, a 44-year-old man, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of possessing, making, and distributing a vast collection of indecent images of children and infants. The court heard that Selley’s collection included more than 20,000 images, encompassing both still photographs and videos, which depicted a disturbing range of sexual abuse scenarios involving minors.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC, presiding over the proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court, described the sheer volume of the images as 'breath-taking' and emphasized the severity of the offenses. He pointed out that Selley’s actions demonstrated a calculated and concerted effort to share and distribute these illicit materials on a significant scale. The judge further noted that the images ranged across various levels of seriousness, with a considerable number classified at the highest levels four and five. Level five images are known to include depictions of sadism or acts of bestiality, highlighting the extreme nature of the material involved.

Selley, who resides at Copthall Gardens in Folkestone, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of making indecent images, 10 counts of distributing such images, and five counts of possession. Additionally, he requested that 12 other similar offenses be taken into account during sentencing. The case was initially brought before Folkestone magistrates, who committed it to the Crown Court for sentencing due to the gravity of the charges.

As part of his sentence, Selley will serve half of the four-year term, with 38 days already deducted for time spent on remand. Upon release, he will be subject to an extended license period of three years, during which he will be closely monitored. Furthermore, Selley will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which explicitly prohibits him from possessing any computer equipment. He is also required to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and is disqualified from working with children in any capacity.

These measures reflect the serious concern of the authorities regarding Selley’s actions and the potential risk he poses to the community. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and the importance of stringent sentencing for such heinous crimes.