Description
A man who downloaded indecent images of children using free Wifi from shops has been jailed.
Repeat sex offender Derek O'Rourke, 57, was caught after he connected his phone to various internet hotspots in Maidstone town centre, in Kent.
He was arrested when officers attended his home in Fairmeadow, Maidstone on March 13, 2018.
A search of the property led to the discovery of the phone, which when forensically examined was found to contain 29 images and videos depicting abuse, of which 15 were classed in the most serious category.
He had tried to deny the phone was his during a police interview but an investigation revealed the device contained a SIM card that was registered under his name.
He was charged with four counts of possessing an indecent photograph or pseudo image of a child.
This led to him being recalled to prison after he breached licence conditions he was given after being found guilty of similar offences in the past.
O’Rourke pleaded guilty to all the charges when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to one year and eight months imprisonment on Thursday.
He will also continue to be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Wes Marston said: “O’Rourke is a repeat offender who has previously been given every opportunity to engage in rehabilitation and was subject to strict court conditions to deter his ability to access illegal images of children.
“Despite this he has been unable to prevent himself from reoffending.
“He continues to demonstrate a determination to access illegal images with no understanding of the gravity of his actions and without remorse.
“O’Rourke also appears incapable of accepting the material he continues to access will have resulted from real children suffering appalling abuse and now he must again face the consequences of his actions.”