RAYMOND WHITTLE SENT BACK TO JAIL IN SPALDING FOR CHILD IMAGE OFFENSES

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation, Raymond Whittle, a convicted sex offender from Spalding, has been returned to prison after being found in possession of a large collection of indecent images of children. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, even after their release from custody.

Whittle, who previously served nine years in prison for a series of 19 sex-related charges—including the rape and attempted rape of young girls—was living in Spalding at the time of his latest offense. His past convictions and the severity of his previous crimes have made his recent activities particularly concerning to law enforcement authorities.

According to reports presented at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, May 22, the police conducted a search of Whittle’s residence in Spalding in April 2019. The search was part of an investigation into his online activities, which had raised suspicions after a mobile device linked to him was found to have accessed illegal images. During the search, officers discovered Whittle at his home, where they seized several electronic devices, including a mobile phone located beneath his bed.

Further examination of the phone revealed that it contained 212 indecent images of children on its SIM card. However, authorities were initially unable to access additional material stored directly on the device because Whittle refused to provide the passcode. The phone was subsequently sent for detailed analysis, which uncovered more than 300 additional indecent images, bringing the total to over 500 images.

It was also revealed that at the time of his arrest, Whittle was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which explicitly prohibited him from possessing certain types of mobile phones or accessing related content. Despite this legal restriction, he was found in possession of a device that contained illegal material.

The court proceedings also highlighted Whittle’s extensive criminal history. In 2005, he was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection at Basildon Crown Court, following convictions for rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and the production and distribution of indecent images of children. His criminal record underscores the ongoing risks associated with his case.

Following his latest arrest, Whittle, now aged 41, was recalled to prison and is currently without a fixed address. He pleaded guilty to three charges related to the creation of indecent images of children, as well as possession of prohibited images. The total number of images involved in his case was 553, with 67 classified as the most serious category.

Whittle was sentenced to 20 months in prison for his offenses. The court also announced that a new Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) would be considered at a subsequent hearing scheduled for next month, aiming to impose further restrictions to prevent future offenses and protect the community from potential harm.