BRISTOL MAN SAMUEL HEPWORTH CAUGHT WATCHING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN BRISTOL

In March 2010, a man from Bristol, Samuel Hepworth, was sentenced in connection with the viewing and possession of highly disturbing and illegal images involving children. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

Samuel Hepworth, aged 27 and residing on Old Bread Street in Bristol, was found to have accessed and viewed hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. The court heard that Hepworth claimed he stumbled upon this material by accident. However, during police investigations, it was revealed that his curiosity and the illicit thrill of breaking the law motivated his actions. Bristol Crown Court was informed that Hepworth admitted to viewing these images, which he found 'sick,' but admitted that the fact they were illegal and forbidden gave him a sense of excitement.

The prosecution, led by James Ward, explained that authorities were able to trace Hepworth through a credit card he used to subscribe to various websites hosting indecent content. This financial trail led to the discovery of his online activity. In 2008, police executed a raid on Hepworth’s residence, seizing a computer and several discs. The evidence collected included a total of 306 indecent images, along with dozens of films, all of which depicted children being sexually abused. The court was told that Hepworth claimed he had obtained the material by accident and that he was curious about it. He insisted that he was not interested in children per se but was drawn to the material because of its illegal nature and the thrill it provided.

Hepworth had previously admitted to making indecent photographs of children during an earlier hearing, which was taken into account during sentencing. His defense lawyer, Simon Burns, emphasized that Hepworth had pleaded guilty, was of previously good character, and that the offenses dated back some time. Burns highlighted that a report on Hepworth described him as coming from a 'remarkably balanced background' with a very supportive family. The lawyer argued that Hepworth had moved past this episode, which was driven by curiosity, and that he was currently employed in a good job and running a successful business.

Despite the guilty plea and the circumstances, Judge Martin Picton sentenced Hepworth to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. The judge also ordered him to pay £1,500 in court costs. Addressing Hepworth directly, the judge stated, 'What you did was very wrong. They were vile images. Real children are being really abused; real crimes are taking place.' The judge expressed understanding that only a small number of images were recovered, most of which were at the lower levels of seriousness. He acknowledged that Hepworth was 'not beyond redemption' and appreciated his frankness during questioning.

As part of his sentence, Hepworth was ordered to participate in a 60-day sex offenders' treatment program run by Thames Valley authorities. Additionally, he was required to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and supervision to prevent further offenses.