ZACHARY ROBERTS FROM CHUDLEIGH SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING OVER 3,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN EXETER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Chudleigh and the wider Exeter area, Zachary Roberts, aged 23, faced justice after admitting to possessing a staggering collection of more than 3,000 indecent images and videos depicting child abuse. The revelations emerged during a court hearing at Exeter Crown Court, where Roberts pleaded guilty to six counts of possessing indecent images of children and four counts of creating such images, with the offences spanning a period of four years from 2011 to 2015.

Judge Don Tait described Roberts as an intelligent young man who had viewed what he termed 'truly appalling' material online. The court was informed that Roberts, who resides on Fore Street in Chudleigh, had a history of good character but struggled with social interactions, partly due to his condition, which included Tourette’s syndrome. Despite this, the judge emphasized the gravity of Roberts' actions, stating, “If you didn’t appreciate the seriousness of your behaviour before police came to your home, it’s quite clear you do now.”

The court heard that Roberts had accessed a known paedophile website to view the illicit material. The police raid on his home uncovered approximately 3,000 indecent images and movies stored across two of his computer devices, with 480 classified as the most serious category of abuse. Felicity Payne, representing the defendant, explained that Roberts did not wish to use his health condition as an excuse but acknowledged that he viewed these images as a way of exploring his sexuality and attempting to avoid face-to-face contact with others. He reportedly told police that he looked at these images as part of his personal exploration.

Roberts expressed remorse during a meeting with a probation officer, stating, “I need to be fixed,” highlighting his awareness of the severity of his actions and his desire for help. The court was also told that Roberts had previously struggled with social relationships and had difficulty relating to others, which may have contributed to his offending behavior.

In sentencing, Recorder Don Tait considered whether to impose immediate imprisonment or to suspend the sentence. Recognizing the potential for rehabilitation, the judge decided to suspend Roberts’ jail term for two years, provided he does not relapse into such conduct. Roberts was ordered to pay costs of £250 and a surcharge, and he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Additionally, he was mandated to complete a 60-day rehabilitation activity requirement aimed at addressing his behaviour and preventing future offences.