Latest Offenders Minchinhampton

Description

A 69-YEAR-OLD man received a two-year prison term, suspended for two years, for possessing hundreds of indecent images and videos of children.

Peter Minchim was arrested at his home in Beeches Park, Hampton Fields, near Minchinhampton, after Gloucestershire Police received information from the National Crime Agency that indecent images from his address had been detected.

Prosecutor Ehsanul Oarith told Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, March 15, that his computer was seized and 369 indecent images and two videos of children in the most serious Category A were found.  

There were also 286 Category B images and 687 Category C images and one video.

Additionally, a prohibited image and 12 images of extreme pornography were found. 

The prosecutor explained that the youngest child portrayed was six months old. 

Catherine Spedding, defending, said: “A full pre-sentence report has been carried out and Minchim has submitted two references to the court.

"He is supported in court by Alison Huntley, an NHS support worker for the criminal justice system, who has been involved since his arrest."

Ms Huntley told the court: “Minchim has shown significant remorse for this offence and has contacted the specialist organisation ‘Stop It Now’ to get help and support. 

“Because of this offence, his marriage is now over.

"A sentence in the community would be far more beneficial instead of a prison term to allow Minchim to get the help he needs."

Minchim admitted three counts of possessing a total of 1,345 indecent images and videos of children in categories A, B and C, one prohibited image and 12 extreme pornography images between January 31 and August 31 last year.

As well as the suspended sentence, Minchim was ordered to pay £425 in costs, must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and attend 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Minchim has also been subjected to the terms of a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and sex offender registration for the same time period. 

Judge Recorder Tom Brown said: “These images are disturbing from their descriptions and involve children as young as six months. 

“I accept that you took steps to address your offending, which demonstrates there is a prospect of rehabilitation.

"I am satisfied that you are ashamed by your actions."