THOMAS POWELL SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR POSSESSING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

THOMAS POWELL SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR POSSESSING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

A 24-year-old man named Thomas Powell, from Broomy Close, Dibden, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found in possession of indecent images of children.

Powell appeared at Southampton Crown Court on May 19, where he received a three-year prison sentence, was ordered to be on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

Powell previously admitted to a charge of possession of extreme pornographic images, as well as two counts of possessing a prohibited image of a child and six counts of creating indecent photographs of a child.

The investigation began when officers executed a search warrant at Powell’s residence on May 14, 2019, following intelligence that indicated he was downloading indecent images of minors.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) seized several devices, including Powell’s phone, two computers, and a tablet.

Forensic analysis of these devices revealed that over four million images and videos related to child abuse had been downloaded, including some classified as Category A, which is considered the most serious.

PC James Giles stated, “Behind every indecent image of a child is a vulnerable victim, and these crimes are among the most appalling that we investigate.” He also emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting that Powell was a habitual collector of such images, including Category A content, for his own sexual gratification.

“Tackling online viewing of indecent images is a priority for police, and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice,” PC Giles added.