NOTTINGHAM PAEDOPHILE SIMON TAINTON EXPOSED AFTER FANCY-DRESS STAR WARS FAN GROUP INVOLVEMENT

In a disturbing revelation, Simon Tainton, a man known for his involvement in a Star Wars-themed costume group in Nottingham, has been publicly identified as a convicted paedophile. Tainton, aged 43, was often seen at children’s events dressed as an Imperial Stormtrooper, engaging in activities that appeared to be aimed at entertaining young audiences.

Despite his public persona as a friendly and charitable figure, Tainton’s criminal past casts a dark shadow over his reputation. In 2006, he was sentenced to a year in prison after police uncovered more than 15,000 indecent images of children on his computer. Among these were particularly heinous images, including those depicting babies being abused. The severity of his offenses was underscored by the nature of the material found, which included some of the most disturbing content involving very young children.

Remarkably, Tainton continued to participate in activities involving children even after his conviction. He was involved in charity work at various children’s groups, hospitals, and even at Legoland Windsor, all as a member of the UK Garrison, a part of the 7,000-strong 501st Legion, a well-known group of Star Wars enthusiasts. His participation in these events included helping to raise funds for children’s charities such as Barnardo’s during a shopping centre event last summer. Additionally, he posed in full Stormtrooper costume at functions organized by the city’s boys’ and girls’ brigades, further cementing his presence in community activities.

The 501st UK Garrison, which Tainton was part of, is managed by Gary Hailes, a former actor known for his role as Barry Clark in the long-running British soap opera EastEnders during the late 1980s. Following the discovery of Tainton’s criminal record, Hailes demanded that Tainton resign from the group. The organization issued a statement explaining that, “due to circumstances beyond its control, the group had to remove member Simon Tainton from the club. This decision was the only course of action available.”

Further complicating Tainton’s profile, he also spends his leisure time as an erotic photographer. His portfolio includes explicit images of young women, some of whom are depicted naked and writhing on beds. He actively sells many of these photographs, including one featuring a naked woman holding a lightsaber, which he offers for £57.66.

In March 2006, Tainton’s criminal activities came to light when he was jailed for possessing and downloading over 15,000 indecent images of children. The images depicted children as young as two years old, with one particular image, originally created by the victim’s father, being circulated widely on the internet. Tainton, then 33 and a resident of Clifton, Nottingham, had no prior convictions but was found guilty after a police investigation.

He was arrested during Operation Ore, a major police operation targeting over 6,000 Britons suspected of using credit cards to access online child pornography. His details appeared on a database, and a subsequent search of his home uncovered pornographic material on his computer’s hard drive. Prosecutor Andrew Taiser stated that Tainton admitted to viewing the images and deriving sexual gratification from them, expressing horror at his own actions and seeking counseling. Tainton’s collection included 10,970 images at level one (nudity and erotic posing), 3,701 at level two (sexual activity between children), 266 at level three (non-penetrative sexual activity between adult and child), 627 at level four (penetrative sexual activity), and 24 at level five (sadism or bestiality). Three movies at the highest level of depravity were also recovered.

He pleaded guilty to 14 counts of making indecent images and one additional charge related to possessing an indecent photo, covering the period from March 18, 2004, to April 4, 2005. His defense attorney, Laura Pittman, argued that Tainton had not shared the images and was actively seeking help for his issues. Judge Joan Butler, QC, sentenced him, emphasizing the gravity of the offense, especially given the young age of some of the victims depicted. She noted that the number of images was enormous and that the impact on the children involved was incalculable. The judge took into account Tainton’s guilty plea, remorse, and efforts to seek treatment, but also expressed concern over the leniency of the sentence.

Criticism from advocacy groups was swift. Maggie Bucknall of the Campaign Against Paedophile Accommodation condemned the sentence as too lenient, asserting that the judicial system was not taking such heinous crimes seriously enough. She pointed out that individuals with no prior convictions often regard possession of such material as a badge of honor, highlighting the ongoing challenge of addressing these offenses effectively.