THOMAS MAYNE FROM PLYMOUTH JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENCES IN PLYMOUTH COURT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Plymouth, Thomas Mayne, a 28-year-old man residing on Wilton Street, was sentenced to prison after admitting to multiple serious offences related to child exploitation images. The proceedings took place last Friday at Plymouth Crown Court, where Mayne appeared in custody to face the charges against him.

Mayne's criminal record includes previous convictions for possessing indecent photographs of children. He had pleaded guilty to these offences on two separate occasions: first on April 26, 2009, when he admitted to possessing images classified at levels one and two, and again on May 10 of the following year, when he acknowledged possessing indecent photos at levels two and four pseudo-photos. It is important to note that the classification system ranges from level one, indicating the least serious material, to level five, which is considered the most severe.

Further details revealed that Mayne also possessed a total of 33 indecent pseudo-photos of children at level one, 16 at level two, and two movies at level four. These items were all acquired over a period spanning from April 16, 2009, to May 2, 2010. The evidence presented in court demonstrated a pattern of ongoing and deliberate collection of such material.

In addition to these possession charges, Mayne admitted to breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that had been imposed on him in 2007. The breaches included twice using the internet to download images and movies, accessing websites via two different computers, possessing two memory cards, and utilizing a memory card to store illicit images and videos. These violations underscored a persistent disregard for court orders aimed at preventing further offences.

Representing Mayne, lawyer Jason Beal explained that his client had taken steps to seek help by paying privately to attend a course in Surrey. Beal also requested that Mayne be transferred to a facility where he could receive further assistance, emphasizing that there were no allegations of contact offences involving children.

Judge Francis Gilbert QC addressed the court, describing the case as a tragic example of persistent and calculated behaviour by an individual considered to be intelligent. The judge sentenced Mayne to 30 months in prison, deducting the eight days he had already spent on remand. Additionally, the judge amended the terms of the Sexual Offences Prevention Order to last for five years and ordered Mayne to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities in Plymouth to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of the community from such heinous crimes.