EAST GRINSTEAD SCIENTIST ROBIN PHILLIPS JAILED FOR BRITAIN'S LARGEST CHILD PORN COLLECTION

In October 2006, Robin Phillips, a man with a background in astrophysics, was sentenced to prison after authorities uncovered what is believed to be the largest collection of child pornography ever found in Britain. The disturbing discovery was made after a series of covert observations and subsequent investigations that revealed the extent of Phillips' illicit activities.

Phillips, who was based in Canada at the time, had been engaged in what authorities described as a 'decade of dedicated downloading,' during which he amassed a vast and illegal collection of indecent images involving minors. His obsession was brought to light when plainclothes officers observed him in an act of taking photographs beneath a schoolgirl’s skirt while she was playing on one of the famous Trafalgar Square lion statues during the summer months. The officers' suspicions were confirmed when they found additional images on his camera, including photographs of a second young person and a young woman, indicating a pattern of disturbing behavior.

The investigation took a significant turn when detectives examined Phillips' laptop at his parents' residence on Cansiron Lane in East Grinstead, West Sussex. It was there that the full extent of his 'hobby' was uncovered, revealing a shocking collection of indecent images. The 33-year-old, who had previously been employed as a researcher at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, admitted to possessing indecent images and to taking some himself on August 27. He also admitted to attempting to take such images.

During the court proceedings at Southwark Crown Court in London, Phillips appeared dressed in a dark grey business suit, a blue shirt, and a patterned tie. He showed no visible reaction when Judge Paul Dodgson addressed him, emphasizing that the scale of his offending made immediate imprisonment unavoidable. The judge highlighted that Phillips' actions, although not involving direct physical contact with children, were nonetheless deeply harmful. The court heard that Phillips' 'wilful collection' of these images was a serious offense that contributed to the ongoing sexual abuse of children.

Judge Dodgson pointed out that while Phillips' friends and family claimed he posed no danger to children and that he had no direct contact with minors, the act of taking and possessing such images was inherently damaging. The judge explained that it was unnatural for children aged 11 to 12 to pose in such ways, and that Phillips' behavior went beyond mere possession—he was actively taking photographs himself. The court expressed concern that if the public or parents had known what Phillips was doing, they would have been horrified.

In sentencing, the judge referenced the maximum penalty for such offenses, which is ten years in prison, as a reflection of the seriousness with which Parliament views these crimes. He stated, 'This cannot be described as harmless. It degrades young girls and fosters a dangerous attitude that such interests are acceptable.' The court underscored the importance of upholding laws designed to protect children and prevent such exploitation.

While acknowledging the devastating impact that incarceration would have on Phillips and his family, the judge made it clear that his conduct was the sole reason for his imprisonment. He also noted that Phillips did not pose a significant future risk of serious harm, which meant he would not face an indeterminate sentence for public protection. However, he was ordered to comply with a ten-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from possessing cameras or photographic devices in public. Additionally, Phillips is required to register as a sex offender for a similar period and is disqualified from working with children for life, reflecting the court’s firm stance on safeguarding minors from potential harm.