ROBERT COPELAND FROM MARLBOROUGH SENTENCED IN TEWKESBURY FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a case that has sparked outrage among local residents, Robert Copeland, a man originally from Marlborough who now resides in Tewkesbury, was recently convicted of possessing and creating indecent images of children. The incident has raised serious concerns about community safety and the adequacy of the justice system in handling such sensitive cases.

In January 2018, Copeland, aged 39, admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing prohibited images. The court proceedings revealed that he had downloaded a total of 10 movies and 51 images, all classified under Category A, which is designated for the most severe forms of child abuse material. These images depicted some of the youngest victims, with some as young as two or three years old.

Despite the gravity of his offenses, Copeland was handed a sentence that many in the community found insufficient. He received a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to participate in rehabilitation activities. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his future conduct. The presiding judge, Robert Pawson, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “Anyone who downloads those images is contributing directly to the abuse of these children. Some of those children were aged two or three.”

Following the sentencing, a spokesperson from the NSPCC in South West England issued a statement condemning the actions and highlighting the importance of stronger preventative measures. The NSPCC emphasized that the victims in these images endured horrific abuse, and their suffering should not be underestimated. The organization called on authorities and internet service providers to do more to prevent the distribution of such material and to develop strategies to deter individuals from viewing these images in the first place.

Locally, the case has caused significant distress among residents of Marlborough and Tewkesbury. Harriet Knowles, a mother of two children aged 12 and 14 who lives near Copeland’s residence on Chiminage Close in Marlborough, expressed her outrage and concern. She described her feelings of fear and betrayal, revealing that she has taken measures such as purchasing rape alarms for her children and feeling anxious about their safety.

Mrs. Knowles voiced her frustration over the justice system’s handling of the case, questioning why residents were not informed about the potential danger. She stated, “I’m absolutely disgusted he’s walked free. I haven’t slept, I went into work but got sent home. I love living here and don’t want to leave my house but I’m in a blind panic.” She also revealed that property had been seized as far back as May, yet residents were not made aware of the presence of a convicted offender living nearby.

Her primary concern revolves around her children’s safety, especially as they walk to and from school alone. She expressed her fears about what could happen if Copeland were to target her children, saying, “They are of the age where we can leave them for a while if we were to go out. But what if he gets to my kids? I can’t live here now.” She further questioned how her children could grow up in an environment where they are constantly under surveillance, emphasizing the emotional toll this situation has taken on her family.

In court, Judge Robert Pawson reiterated the severity of Copeland’s actions, underscoring that the possession and creation of such images directly contribute to ongoing abuse and suffering of innocent children. The case has reignited debates about sentencing policies and community safety measures, with many calling for more stringent actions to protect vulnerable populations from individuals like Copeland. The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the importance of vigilance within local communities.