SIMON DICKENS FROM BROADBRIDGE HEATH ESCAPES PRISON DESPITE HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES IN HORSHAM

In a case that has shocked the local community of Horsham, Simon Dickens, a 41-year-old resident of Harding Lane, Broadbridge Heath, was found guilty of possessing highly disturbing images depicting child abuse. The incident came to light during a court hearing at Brighton Crown Court in March 2021, where Dickens faced charges related to the possession of indecent images of children stored on his personal computer.

Prosecutors revealed that Dickens had in his possession a total of 85 images classified as Category A, which are considered the most severe and depict children being subjected to acts of torture and extreme abuse. These images were described in court as portraying children suffering for the gratuitous pleasure of adults, a description that underscores the heinous nature of the material involved.

In addition to the Category A images, Dickens also admitted to possessing images classified as Category B and C, which are considered less severe but still represent a serious violation of child protection laws. The court was informed that these were Dickens’ first offences, and he expressed remorse during the proceedings.

Her Honour Judge Shani Barnes, presiding over the case, acknowledged the severity of the images but also took into account Dickens’ personal circumstances. She decided against imposing a custodial sentence, opting instead for a 15-month prison sentence that was suspended for a period of time. Furthermore, Dickens was ordered to attend 15 rehabilitation sessions at Brighton Crown Court to address his behavior and underlying issues.

Judge Barnes explained that unpaid work was not deemed appropriate in this case, citing Dickens’ responsible employment and his age as factors. She noted that the implementation of unpaid work schemes might be delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has affected many community service programs.

During the hearing, the judge described the Category A images as “horrendous” and emphasized that they depicted children “suffering for the gratuitous pleasure of adults.” Despite the severity of the images, the court recognized Dickens’ efforts to seek help, as he had taken steps to obtain counselling and speak about his own “traumas in his early childhood.”

As part of his sentence, Dickens was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his access to children and limits his use of computer devices capable of hiding internet searches or accessing the dark web. Additionally, he was registered as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims, while also addressing the rehabilitation needs of offenders within the community of Horsham and beyond.