WARREN HILTS FROM SELSEY SENTENCED FOR ONLINE CHILD ABUSE ADVICE AND IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Selsey, Warren Hilts, aged 40, has been sentenced to five years in prison after a series of serious offences related to child exploitation and online abuse. The sentencing took place at Chichester Crown Court on February 21, where Judge Claudia Ackner delivered a stern verdict against Hilts, who previously resided in a caravan at West Sands Caravan Park, located on Mill Lane in Selsey.

Hilts pleaded guilty to a total of 21 charges, which included the distribution and possession of indecent and abusive images of children, as well as inciting sexual offences against minors via the internet. The court heard that many of the images and videos seized from his computer depicted children in states of clear and immediate distress, highlighting the severity of his actions and the harm inflicted upon vulnerable young victims.

Judge Ackner condemned Hilts for his blatant disregard for the welfare of children, stating, “You take no responsibility for and show no insight into the harm or misery that you cause a vulnerable section of society.” She emphasized that the existence of such material relies heavily on individuals like Hilts who download and distribute it, thereby fueling a market for such heinous content.

In addition to the five-year prison term, Hilts received a nine-year sentence for the most serious offence, with the court ordering that he serve five years behind bars followed by four years on extended licence. For five other counts related to inciting sex offences, he was sentenced to two years each. Nine additional offences involving possession and distribution of indecent images resulted in a four-year sentence, while the remaining charges earned him a 12-month sentence. All these sentences are to run concurrently.

Furthermore, Hilts was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from working with children. His laptop will also be destroyed to prevent further misuse. Judge Ackner remarked that his actions have significantly contributed to the serious abuse of children who are unable to protect themselves, underscoring the gravity of his offences.

It was noted that because of his guilty plea—initially pleading not guilty but changing his plea in January—Hilts will serve two-thirds of his sentence. His arrest followed an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary, which uncovered links between Hilts and another predatory sex offender. This other individual was arrested the day before he planned to assault his five-year-old daughter.

During the investigation, police analysis of Hilts’ computer revealed hundreds of indecent images and videos, all of which have now been destroyed. The inquiry also uncovered that Hilts had been in contact with others online, advising them on how to commit sexual offences against children. One of the online aliases linked to Hilts was “Badger Hilts,” a name connected to his residence in Selsey, where police also found his dog named Badger during a search in April 2012.

Hilts was initially obstructive during police interviews, providing incorrect passwords for his email account three times. He was charged last year and initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea to guilty in January. Detective Constable Chris Smith commented on the case, stating, “Hilts had been in contact with other men online, advising them on ways in which they could commit sexual offences against young children. We will continue to follow up any information, whether from law enforcement or from local people, about such offending.”