ROBERT STENNING IN STOWMARKET SENTENCED FOR DOWNLOADS IN 2011

In October 2011, Robert Stenning, a 60-year-old resident of Crown Street in Stowmarket, pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court to downloading and viewing over 180 indecent images of children. Prosecutor Robert Sadd stated that Stenning admitted to making these images but refused to specify the duration of his offending.

During a police search of his home, officers found a total of 187 indecent images. Defence solicitor Joanne Eley highlighted that Stenning had openly acknowledged his actions, resigned from his job following his arrest, and had informed his neighbors about what he had done. Although his wife and daughter were initially shocked, Miss Eley said they continued to support him.

Stenning had no previous criminal convictions. He was sentenced to a two-year community order, which included an 8pm to 6am curfew at his residence for ten weeks. Additionally, he will be subject to two years of probation supervision.

Judge David Goodin remarked that Stenning's full admission was unusual and noted that imprisonment would not be in the public interest. The court ordered him to register as a sex offender for five years and to participate in a program aimed at addressing internet sex offending. Furthermore, his computer and flash drives were to be forfeited and destroyed.