GUILDFORD SOLICITOR RICHARD PIETROWSKI JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES

In September 2016, a solicitor from Guildford named Richard Pietrowski was sentenced to prison after authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of child sexual abuse images stored on his electronic devices. The investigation revealed that Pietrowski, aged 61 at the time, possessed more than 12,000 indecent images and videos depicting children, with a significant portion classified as the most serious category of abuse material.

Police authorities traced his online activity through peer-to-peer sharing networks, which led them directly to his IP address. This digital trail prompted a search warrant at his residence on Fox Grove Lane in Guildford. During the search, law enforcement officials seized a computer along with three external hard drives, all of which contained evidence of his illicit activities.

Subsequently, a detailed analysis of the seized devices uncovered 2,389 images and videos in the most severe category of abuse, out of the total 12,086 files. The investigation also revealed that Pietrowski had engaged in online chats discussing disturbing topics related to children, including conversations about their appearance and preferences, which further underscored the severity of his offending.

At Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, September 29, Pietrowski pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the distribution of indecent images of children and the creation of such images. The court sentenced him to 20 months in prison. His defense lawyer, John Evans, argued that Pietrowski was a lonely man facing financial difficulties and had no current relationship, which he claimed contributed to his turn towards illegal pornography. Evans emphasized that Pietrowski had previously engaged only with legal adult content but had gradually fallen into illegal material, leading to his current predicament.

Evans requested the court consider a community order, highlighting that Pietrowski had taken steps to address his behavior by attending counseling sessions and completing workshops aimed at preventing reoffending. He urged the judge to show mercy, describing Pietrowski as a newcomer to the criminal justice system.

Prosecutor Lee Harris detailed the findings from the analysis of the seized devices, noting that the chat logs included disturbing conversations about children, including discussions about their appearance and preferences. Harris pointed out that the case involved significant aggravating factors, notably the high number of Category A images and the prolonged period over which the offending had occurred.

Judge Stephen Climie remarked that the sheer volume of images, especially those in the highest category, warranted a custodial sentence. Addressing Pietrowski directly, the judge emphasized that despite his age and professional background, he chose to indulge in the distribution and possession of child abuse material over many years. As a result, Pietrowski was placed on the sexual offences register, and a depravation order was issued concerning the images. The case underscores the serious nature of his crimes and the legal consequences of such heinous conduct.