PHILLIP GILBERT FROM KNUTSFORD CAUGHT WITH OVER 2000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
| Red Rose Database
Knutsford Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of Knutsford, Cheshire, a smart meter installer made a horrifying discovery that would lead to serious criminal charges against a local man named Phillip Gilbert. The incident unfolded in October 2018 when the installer, while performing his routine duties at Gilbert’s residence, stumbled upon a deeply disturbing sight that would change the course of his life and the lives of many others.
While upstairs in Gilbert’s home to use the bathroom, the installer happened to glance through an open door into a bedroom and was immediately confronted with four framed photographs of naked children hanging on the wall. The images, which were indecent and highly inappropriate, appeared to be professionally printed and displayed prominently in the room. This accidental discovery prompted the installer to report the matter to his employer and the police authorities without delay.
Following the report, law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the scene at Gilbert’s residence in Knutsford. The police investigation revealed that Gilbert, a retired plumber and grandfather, had a troubling history of possessing and downloading a vast collection of illegal images. During questioning, Gilbert admitted to downloading the images and printing some of them out. He also disclosed that he had accumulated more than 2,000 indecent images of children engaged in sexual abuse, which he had stored on his devices.
Prosecutor Chris Taylor outlined the details of the case in court, stating that Gilbert, when confronted by officers, was cooperative but somewhat sarcastic. He reportedly told the officers, “come on then, I’ll show you, so you don’t make a mess,” as he led them to a front bedroom. There, from a drawer in a chest of drawers and a hidden compartment within a wardrobe, Gilbert produced several folders containing indecent photographs of children, along with a laptop computer. During the police search, Gilbert expressed remorse, saying, “I know it’s getting out of control. When you live on your own you need someone to give you a kick up the arse. I’ve been telling myself for years, I’ve got kids and grandkids, just get rid but I never did. If my son and daughter ever find out I don’t know what I’ll do.”
Further analysis of Gilbert’s electronic devices, including his computer, SD card, and the folders he produced, confirmed the presence of a staggering 2,015 indecent images. These images depicted children ranging in age from as young as six to 14 years old, with boys aged 12 to 14 and girls from six to 14 being the primary victims. The majority of these images were classified in the lowest category of seriousness, but the sheer volume was deeply concerning. The investigation also uncovered that Gilbert had used various search terms associated with illegal content, indicating deliberate intent.
Alarmingly, the police found seven images depicting bestiality, adding to the severity of the case. Gilbert’s address was listed as Lowe Drive, Knutsford, and he pleaded guilty in court to five charges related to the downloading and possession of indecent images of children. The case was heard at Liverpool Crown Court, where Judge Stephen Everett delivered the sentence.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Everett expressed profound concern over the case, stating, “After examining the evidence, it is clear that Gilbert had more than 2,000 indecent images of children. We will never know what happened to those children.” The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that such images often represent the last moments of abuse and potential death for the victims. He condemned the behavior, stating, “You and people like you encourage this behaviour. They may have been disposed of by these terrible people to stop them talking. Potentially the last moments of life was that sexual abuse and then their lives ended. You will never know.”
Given the circumstances, Judge Everett decided against immediate imprisonment, opting instead for a community order. Gilbert was sentenced to three years of supervision under a community order, which includes strict monitoring and support aimed at rehabilitation. Additionally, he was issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to register as a sex offender for the same period, ensuring ongoing oversight of his activities and restrictions to prevent further offenses.
While upstairs in Gilbert’s home to use the bathroom, the installer happened to glance through an open door into a bedroom and was immediately confronted with four framed photographs of naked children hanging on the wall. The images, which were indecent and highly inappropriate, appeared to be professionally printed and displayed prominently in the room. This accidental discovery prompted the installer to report the matter to his employer and the police authorities without delay.
Following the report, law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the scene at Gilbert’s residence in Knutsford. The police investigation revealed that Gilbert, a retired plumber and grandfather, had a troubling history of possessing and downloading a vast collection of illegal images. During questioning, Gilbert admitted to downloading the images and printing some of them out. He also disclosed that he had accumulated more than 2,000 indecent images of children engaged in sexual abuse, which he had stored on his devices.
Prosecutor Chris Taylor outlined the details of the case in court, stating that Gilbert, when confronted by officers, was cooperative but somewhat sarcastic. He reportedly told the officers, “come on then, I’ll show you, so you don’t make a mess,” as he led them to a front bedroom. There, from a drawer in a chest of drawers and a hidden compartment within a wardrobe, Gilbert produced several folders containing indecent photographs of children, along with a laptop computer. During the police search, Gilbert expressed remorse, saying, “I know it’s getting out of control. When you live on your own you need someone to give you a kick up the arse. I’ve been telling myself for years, I’ve got kids and grandkids, just get rid but I never did. If my son and daughter ever find out I don’t know what I’ll do.”
Further analysis of Gilbert’s electronic devices, including his computer, SD card, and the folders he produced, confirmed the presence of a staggering 2,015 indecent images. These images depicted children ranging in age from as young as six to 14 years old, with boys aged 12 to 14 and girls from six to 14 being the primary victims. The majority of these images were classified in the lowest category of seriousness, but the sheer volume was deeply concerning. The investigation also uncovered that Gilbert had used various search terms associated with illegal content, indicating deliberate intent.
Alarmingly, the police found seven images depicting bestiality, adding to the severity of the case. Gilbert’s address was listed as Lowe Drive, Knutsford, and he pleaded guilty in court to five charges related to the downloading and possession of indecent images of children. The case was heard at Liverpool Crown Court, where Judge Stephen Everett delivered the sentence.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Everett expressed profound concern over the case, stating, “After examining the evidence, it is clear that Gilbert had more than 2,000 indecent images of children. We will never know what happened to those children.” The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that such images often represent the last moments of abuse and potential death for the victims. He condemned the behavior, stating, “You and people like you encourage this behaviour. They may have been disposed of by these terrible people to stop them talking. Potentially the last moments of life was that sexual abuse and then their lives ended. You will never know.”
Given the circumstances, Judge Everett decided against immediate imprisonment, opting instead for a community order. Gilbert was sentenced to three years of supervision under a community order, which includes strict monitoring and support aimed at rehabilitation. Additionally, he was issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to register as a sex offender for the same period, ensuring ongoing oversight of his activities and restrictions to prevent further offenses.