THOMAS HANKEY FROM HAMBLEDEN AND MAIDENHEAD SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Maidenhead and Hambleden, Thomas Hankey, a man with ties to both areas, was brought before Reading Crown Court in April 2013 to face serious charges related to the possession of indecent images of children. The proceedings revealed that Hankey, aged 35 at the time, had accumulated over 1,000 illicit images and videos depicting minors, which he had downloaded over a span of several years.

Hankey, who was described as a father-to-be, appeared in court after previously admitting to possessing ten counts of indecent images and videos of children. The investigation into his activities began in 2011 when police executed a raid on his residence located in Lyneham Gardens. During the search, authorities discovered an external hard drive and a computer, both of which contained numerous images of children aged between six and seventeen years old.

The offences spanned a period from August 23, 2004, to April 13, 2011, highlighting a prolonged period of illicit activity. Police experts graded the images on a scale from one to five, with five representing the most severe and explicit material. The majority of the images found on Hankey’s devices were classified at lower levels of severity; however, there was at least one image that was rated at the highest level, level five.

During the court hearing, police presented the images to Hankey, who was visibly distressed. Despite the disturbing nature of the material, Hankey claimed he was unaware that he had downloaded such images. He stated that he had not used the computer, which was found stored in his loft, since 2009, and the external hard drive since 2010. This assertion was part of his defence, although the court considered the evidence against him.

In sentencing, the judge imposed a two-year community order on Hankey, which included supervision requirements aimed at monitoring his conduct and preventing further offences. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £534. Hankey, who is currently residing in Hambleden, a village near Henley-on-Thames, was also given a stern warning about the seriousness of his actions and the potential consequences of such offences. The case has raised concerns among residents in Maidenhead, Hambleden, and the surrounding areas, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.