RICHARD HEAD FROM BERE ALSTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL IN DEVON

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the small community of Bere Alston, Richard Head, aged 54, was brought before Plymouth Crown Court to face serious charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of online behavior, where Head had been using internet chat rooms under the guise of a 15-year-old girl named Charlotte, deceiving others and engaging in illicit activities.

Investigations into Head’s activities uncovered that he had been actively involved in the creation and dissemination of child exploitation material over a period spanning from December 2004 to October 2007. The authorities found that Head had made eight separate counts of producing such images, four counts of distributing them, and one count of possessing indecent images. These images were stored on his work computer, which was scrutinized after colleagues at his workplace raised concerns about suspicious activity.

The court heard that nearly 1,000 images were discovered on Head’s computer hardware. These images were categorized from one to four, with category five representing the most severe and explicit content. The investigation was further intensified when it was revealed that some of the images were found in physical form—hard copies stored in a desk drawer that was being cleared out by Head’s colleagues, raising alarm about the extent of his activities.

During the sentencing, Judge Francis Gilbert QC acknowledged the gravity of the crimes but emphasized the importance of considering the impact on Head’s family. He stated, “To send you immediately to prison, which you undoubtedly deserve, will involve great hardship to your wife and child. It isn’t right that they should suffer any hardship.” As a result, Head was sentenced to 12 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Head was placed under a supervision order and mandated to attend programs aimed at addressing sexual offending behavior. The court also imposed conditions that prevent him from being alone with children other than his own, and he has already been registered on the sex offenders register. However, Judge Gilbert decided to remove a clause that would have required Head to inform the parents or guardians of children he encounters about his conviction, reasoning that such a requirement would hinder his ability to rebuild his life.

It was also revealed that Head had previously been involved with a parent-teacher organization, a role that has now been revoked, and he is explicitly banned from working with children in any voluntary capacity. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in dealing with individuals involved in child exploitation, and the court’s decision reflects a balance between justice and the potential impact on innocent family members.