Adam Blatchford, then aged 33, of Garth Road, Torquay, Devon, pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to possessing a substantial collection of illegal images depicting child sexual abuse.
The prosecution followed a police digital forensics investigation that uncovered more than 800 illicit images stored across Blatchford’s computer hardware.
The breakdown of the images presented to the court comprised:
- 136 Category A images (the highest level of seriousness)
- 187 Category B images
- 526 Category C images
During the hearing, prosecutor Janise Eagles detailed that digital analysis produced evidence showing Blatchford had been in active communication with a 12-year-old child via an internet chat room.
The investigation further established that Blatchford had transmitted web links to other internet users, generating significant concern regarding online child exploitation and public safety.
Following Blatchford’s admissions, Judge Philip Parker QC adjourned the case for the preparation of a comprehensive pre-sentence probation report to determine his suitability for community-based intervention and final sentencing.
While bail was granted pending that hearing, the judge noted that all judicial options, including immediate custody, remained open.
To manage the risk posed to children in the interim, the court imposed immediate statutory safeguards:
- A requirement to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years
- Mandatory participation in the Horizon sex offenders’ treatment programme
- A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) authorising police to monitor his digital devices and online activity
Image Credit – Anonymous Volunteer Artist’s Impression
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