SHANE PURMANUND FROM BERROW ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES DISCOVERY IN TAUNTON

In a case that has shocked the community of Berrow, Shane Purmanund, aged 33, narrowly avoided imprisonment after police uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images and videos depicting young girls on his personal devices. The discovery was made during an investigation that was initially unrelated to the images, but which led to a significant revelation about Purmanund's possession of illicit material.

On Thursday, January 17, at Taunton Crown Court, Purmanund pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of a child. The court was informed that the police had arrested him on November 16, 2018, in connection with a different matter. Following his arrest, Purmanund voluntarily surrendered his laptop and tablet to authorities the following day, which ultimately led to the discovery of the illicit content.

Prosecutor Patrick Mason detailed to the court that investigators found more than twenty indecent videos and images, including material classified as 'teen hardcore' pornography, on Purmanund’s devices. The police then conducted further questioning, which confirmed his possession of these illegal images. The case raised serious concerns given Purmanund’s background and the nature of the material found.

During sentencing, Judge David Ticehurst expressed his strong disapproval of Purmanund’s actions. He emphasized the gravity of the offense by stating, “It could have been your children in one of those videos. Just think about that for a second.” The judge highlighted the emotional toll such material could have on the children involved and their families, noting that the children’s parents would have to cope with the trauma of knowing their images were exploited in this manner.

Judge Ticehurst also pointed out the particularly troubling aspect of the case, given Purmanund’s background working in the care industry and having young children of his own. He condemned the defendant’s actions as “appalling for any decent human being,” and urged him to feel shame for his conduct.

In light of the findings, the judge sentenced Purmanund to a two-year community order. The sentence included mandatory attendance at the Horizons Sexual Offender group, completion of a rehabilitation program, and 100 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Purmanund was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years, and he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of six months. The court also ordered him to pay costs amounting to £1,000 and a statutory surcharge of £85.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by those found guilty of such offenses.