STEPHEN LAZELL FROM BILLERICAY SENTENCED FOR CHILD AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES IN HORRIFIC CASE

In June 2018, a disturbing case involving Stephen Lazell, a resident of Billericay, came to light when he was sentenced for possessing and viewing indecent images of children and animals. The 59-year-old man, living on Abbots Ride in Billericay, had been engaged in this illicit activity over a span of more than a decade, raising serious concerns about ongoing abuse and exploitation.

Authorities uncovered Lazell’s disturbing online activity during a police raid conducted on June 26, 2017. The search of his residence revealed six electronic devices, which contained nearly 2,000 still photographs and close to 400 video recordings depicting children being subjected to abuse or exploitation. These images included both child and animal abuse, highlighting the severity and depravity of his actions.

Prosecutor Carolyn Gardiner detailed the extent of Lazell’s online searches to the court, revealing that he had specifically looked for terms such as ‘13-year-old picture incest’ and had stored these illicit images in a folder labeled ‘Dad’ on his laptop. This evidence painted a disturbing picture of Lazell’s ongoing engagement with illegal content over many years.

During the sentencing hearing, Lazell’s wife, Carolyn Gardiner, expressed her support for her husband, stating that she would stand by him despite his criminal activities. She explained her perspective outside the courtroom, asserting that her husband had made a mistake and describing him as a good man who deserved her loyalty.

In court, Lazell was handed a ten-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 24 months. This sentence was to run concurrently with sentences for three counts of possessing indecent images, possessing a prohibited image, and possessing an extreme pornographic image involving bestiality. Additionally, Lazell was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing his offending behavior.

Furthermore, Lazell was required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and was served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, also valid for ten years. These measures are designed to monitor and prevent any future offending, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing threat posed by such offenses.