Man jailed after admitting sharing 'appalling' images of child abuse
Stephen Jones appeared before Swindon Crown Court on 8th May
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A 58-year-old man from Purton has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after admitting to possessing, making, and distributing extreme pornographic images involving children.
Stephen Jones appeared before Swindon Crown Court on 8th May where he pleaded guilty to several charges related to child abuse images.
Jones expressed regret over his actions, saying he is "utterly ashamed and disgusted" and has sought to better understand himself.
During sentencing, Judge James Townsend condemned Jones's deliberate decision to view and share these "appalling" images.
The judge emphasised the "horrific" nature of the offences, stating they outweighed any mitigating factors.
Jones was sentenced to 28 months in prison and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
His electronic devices, including an iPhone and iPad, were confiscated.
Jones admitted to offences including making and possessing hundreds of images in various categories of severity, as well as distributing several images.
The list of offences includes:
- Making 250 Category A images
- Possession of 250 extreme pornographic images of bestiality
- Possession of a prohibited image of a child
- Distribution of 40 Category A images
- Distribution of 6 Category B images
- Distribution of 2 Category C images
- Making 82 Category B images
- Making 18 Category C images
Detective Constable Jason Walsh commented on the case, stating that Jones downloaded and shared "the most extreme category of vile abuse images for his own sexual gratification."
He added, "This is not a victimless crime. We must never forget that each one of these images represents a stolen childhood and fuels the most appalling abuse and criminality."
Further information about how to recognise and report child abuse and the support available can be found by following this link.