SEVENOAKS BODYGUARD TIMOTHY MURFITT CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX IMAGE OFFENSES IN MAIDSTONE

In a case that has shocked the community of Sevenoaks, Timothy Murfitt, a former soldier and bodyguard, was found guilty of possessing and downloading a significant number of child sexual abuse images. The police executed a search warrant at his residence in Riverhead in April of the previous year, uncovering over 10,000 disturbing images depicting children. Among these were 170 images classified in the highest category of severity, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material.

Despite the gravity of the evidence, the court proceedings revealed that Murfitt, aged 47, received a relatively lenient sentence due to his extensive military career spanning 24 years. The judge at Maidstone Crown Court acknowledged his service record, which included roles in the Parachute Regiment, Royal Engineers, and Military Intelligence, describing it as “remarkable” and “worthy of considerable praise.”

During sentencing, the judge chose to suspend a six-month prison term for two years, citing Murfitt’s military background as a mitigating factor. The court also heard that Murfitt had boasted about his “local links” and his association with high-profile clients, including Prince Harry, Robbie Williams, and the Sevenoaks Indoors Bowls Club. The club had employed Murfitt and his company, Project Q Bodyguards, to provide security following a break-in at their venue last year.

Murfitt, a father of five, had previously served in various elite military units, which added a complex layer to the case. The court was informed that he had used specific terms such as “toddler” and “baby girl pics” in online searches for explicit child images. However, Murfitt maintained his innocence, denying any sexual interest in children during the proceedings.

In addition to the suspended sentence, the judge ordered Murfitt to complete 160 hours of unpaid community service. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for a period of seven years and was issued a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future conduct. Murfitt’s guilty plea and military service record played a significant role in the court’s decision, but the case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.