RICHARD ARROWSMITH FROM CHURCH GRESLEY SPARED JAIL AFTER CHILD SEX ABUSE VIDEO SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the community of Church Gresley, Derbyshire, Richard Arrowsmith, aged 41, was found to possess an extensive collection of child sexual abuse material, including hundreds of highly disturbing videos and images. The police investigation was triggered in February when authorities received a tip-off indicating that an IP address associated with Arrowsmith’s Sky internet account was being used to download and view these depraved materials.

Subsequently, a warrant was executed at his residence on April 19, during which law enforcement officers seized multiple electronic devices, including a computer, external hard drive, laptop, mobile phone, and USB sticks. A thorough forensic analysis of these devices revealed a staggering amount of illicit content. A police computerised scanning system identified at least 10,000 indecent images and videos, although the total number of files was so vast that many could not be categorised. Among the identified material were 4,336 videos and approximately 137,000 images, with additional files remaining unclassified, including 255 videos in Category B and 186 videos plus 851 images in Category C.

Arrowsmith was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty in Derby Crown Court to possession of indecent images and videos of children. The court heard that he had been viewing and downloading such material for approximately four years, indicating a long-standing pattern of offending. The severity of the content was underscored by the presence of 400 Category A videos, which are classified as the most serious, alongside other files in lower categories.

Despite the gravity of his crimes, Arrowsmith was spared immediate imprisonment. The judge, Recorder Martin Butterworth, acknowledged his guilty plea, his previous good character, steady employment, and the support of his wife, who was still standing by him. The court was told that Arrowsmith expressed a desire to start a family, which was taken into account during sentencing.

In sentencing, Recorder Butterworth imposed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Additionally, Arrowsmith was ordered to pay £250 in costs, complete 160 hours of unpaid community service, and adhere to a curfew restricting his movements from 7 pm to 5 am. He was also prohibited from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender. The court emphasized that these crimes are not victimless, as they promote serious abuse of very young children, and highlighted that Arrowsmith was not entirely honest about the nature of the images he possessed.

Following his arrest, Arrowsmith admitted to viewing and downloading indecent images of children over a period of approximately four years, further illustrating the extent of his offending. The case has raised concerns within the community about the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in such heinous crimes, and the court’s decision reflects a cautious approach, balancing punishment with the potential for rehabilitation.