RICKY KENNARD FROM CRAWLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND BESTIALITY OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Crawley, Sussex Police uncovered a serious criminal offense involving Ricky Kennard, a 32-year-old resident of Lyon Close, Crawley. The investigation was initiated after authorities identified that Kennard had uploaded a significant number of illicit images to a social media platform in October 2021. These images included child exploitation material, bestiality, and other forms of extreme pornography, amounting to over 1,000 illegal files.

Following this discovery, Sussex Police intensified their efforts to locate and apprehend Kennard. It was not until five months later, in March 2022, that officers visited his residence. When they arrived at his door, Kennard’s response was notably evasive; he delayed answering and, in a desperate attempt to destroy evidence, placed his iPhone into a microwave. Despite this attempt at destruction, law enforcement officers were able to recover the incriminating images from his phone and other electronic devices, ensuring that the evidence was preserved for prosecution.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Kennard had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of indecent photographs of children, distribution of such images, and possession of extreme pornography involving animals and private acts. The court heard that his offending was rooted in a traumatic background, with allegations that he had been subjected to abuse from the age of six. His criminal activities reportedly began when he was 17 years old, dating back to 2008.

Kennard’s defense team argued that the trauma he experienced had a lasting impact on his psychological development, describing it as a “stunting effect.” The judge, Mr. Justice John Hardy KC, acknowledged these mitigating factors but emphasized the importance of balancing rehabilitation with public safety. The judge stated that sentences are designed not only to punish but also to rehabilitate offenders, and he expressed concern that imprisonment could potentially lead to relapse.

As a result, Kennard was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £450. To further protect the community, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed for ten years, restricting his access to children, vulnerable persons, and the internet. The court recognized Kennard’s acknowledgment of his issues and the therapy he had undergone as factors that could aid his rehabilitation.

Judge Hardy concluded by highlighting the importance of public understanding that such sentences aim to both rehabilitate offenders and protect society. He expressed concern over the potential impact of Kennard’s actions on his victims and underscored the need for ongoing support and monitoring to prevent future offenses.