RICHARD FRENCH FROM SOMERSHAM ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE HAVING OVER 200 INDECENT CHILD IMAGES IN IPSWICH AND NEWMARKET
| Red Rose Database
Somersham Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has drawn significant attention, Richard French, a 64-year-old resident of Somersham, faced the court after being found in possession of a large collection of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in December 2017, when authorities uncovered evidence of French’s possession of more than 200 such images stored across his computer and mobile phone devices.
French appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on a Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to five separate charges related to the possession of these illicit materials. The investigation revealed that among the images stored on his devices, there was an extreme pornographic image involving a horse, which is classified as a prohibited image, as well as a disturbing image of a child that falls under the category of illegal content.
The charges also included possession of an extreme pornographic image in the town of Newmarket, further emphasizing the extent of the evidence against him. Despite the severity of the allegations, French was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, the court imposed a two-year community order, which requires him to participate in a 35-day rehabilitation activity program designed to address his behavior and prevent future offenses.
Additionally, French was mandated to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, a measure intended to serve as a form of restitution and community service. As part of the court’s ruling, he was also ordered to sign the sexual offences register for a period of five years, ensuring that his details remain on record and are monitored during this time.
French’s case highlights ongoing concerns about the possession and distribution of illegal images, and the court’s decision reflects a focus on rehabilitation alongside punishment. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.
French appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on a Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to five separate charges related to the possession of these illicit materials. The investigation revealed that among the images stored on his devices, there was an extreme pornographic image involving a horse, which is classified as a prohibited image, as well as a disturbing image of a child that falls under the category of illegal content.
The charges also included possession of an extreme pornographic image in the town of Newmarket, further emphasizing the extent of the evidence against him. Despite the severity of the allegations, French was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, the court imposed a two-year community order, which requires him to participate in a 35-day rehabilitation activity program designed to address his behavior and prevent future offenses.
Additionally, French was mandated to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, a measure intended to serve as a form of restitution and community service. As part of the court’s ruling, he was also ordered to sign the sexual offences register for a period of five years, ensuring that his details remain on record and are monitored during this time.
French’s case highlights ongoing concerns about the possession and distribution of illegal images, and the court’s decision reflects a focus on rehabilitation alongside punishment. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.