Back in 2020, Brian Hemborough, the Southsea Paedophile, from Portsmouth in Hampshire, methodically sought abusive images, asserting that he utilised them as a depraved ‘safety net’ to prevent himself from committing acts of child abuse.
Brian Hemborough was under police surveillance due to convictions in 1989, 2004, 2013, and 2016, when his equipment was confiscated and examined.
The police unearthed an extensive collection of photographs and films, ultimately selecting a sample of 15,000 from the devices of the 55-year-old individual.
Portsmouth Crown Court was informed that certain toddlers depicted in the photos had ‘discernible suffering’ and were as young as two years old.
Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott stated that the defendant deceived the police on two occasions by asserting he possessed no internet-enabled gadgets, informing officers in December 2018 that he was ‘hoping to receive something’ of that nature for Christmas.
The socially-distanced public gallery, comprising two individuals, erupted when Judge Roger Hetherington sentenced Brian Hemborough, accompanied by exclamations of ‘he’s ruined people’s lives.’
A man exclaimed, ’12 months?’ when Judge Hethering sentenced the prisoner to 32 months in prison.
Brian Hemborough acknowledged eight counts of producing indecent photos, two violations of a sexual offences prevention order, and three counts of possessing indecent images.
Brian Hemborough clandestinely accessed the photographs from December 2015 to January of this year.
The judge stated during sentencing: ‘When the police visited your residence earlier this year, they discovered numerous devices that, upon analysis, were found to contain an extensive quantity of indecent images across all categories, including moving images—approximately 15,000 based on the sample collected.’
The judge stated that Brian Hemborough possessed a ‘substantial history of prior convictions, including many contact crimes,’ resulting in a 10-year imprisonment in 1989.
The judge elaborated on probation’s findings, stating: ‘At times, you attempted to rationalise your actions, downplaying the evident reality that you possess supportive views on child abuse and have a significant preoccupation with children—these are profoundly concerning issues.’
He stated, ‘You informed the police that you utilised obscene photographs, which you referred to as a safety net, to avert committing contact offences.’
Brian Hemborough is required to register as a sex offender for life and is bound by a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
Philip Allman, in mitigation, stated that his client is ‘prepared to confront his challenges’ and remarked: ‘Brian Hemborough has made significant attempts to understand his inclinations and how to counteract them.’
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