ROY BOARDMAN FROM WEM JAILED FOR CHILD SEX IMAGE OFFENCES IN SHROPSHIRE AND MID WALES

In May 2023, Roy Boardman, a 77-year-old man from Wem, Shropshire, was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing offences related to child sexual abuse images. The case revealed a troubling history of criminal activity spanning over two decades, with Boardman being caught in possession of highly depraved images on what was supposed to be a personal celebration—his birthday.

Prosecutor Christopher O'Gorman provided a detailed account of Boardman's criminal record during the hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court. It was noted that Boardman's offending began in his 50s, with his first conviction dating back to March 28, 2003. On that day, he was found guilty of three counts of gross indecency with a boy under 16 and indecent assault of a boy under 16. These serious charges marked the beginning of a long history of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Boardman, who resides on High Street in Wem, had previously served a three-year prison sentence for abusing boys. His criminal record also includes 23 offences related to possessing indecent images of children, along with charges related to drink-driving. Due to his extensive offending history, Boardman was subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which mandated regular visits from an offender manager to monitor his activities and ensure compliance with the law.

On September 2, 2021, during a routine visit, his offender manager requested to examine Boardman's phone. In a revealing moment, Boardman retrieved the device from beneath his pillow, and the search uncovered troubling evidence. The phone contained search terms related to teenage boys, raising immediate concerns. Additionally, a tablet was found on a nearby table, which Boardman claimed he had found in a box and that it did not belong to him. However, the tablet was discovered to contain five Category A images—classified as the most serious—along with one Category B and 14 Category C child sex abuse images.

When questioned about the tablet, Boardman admitted to the officer, saying,