In 2021, the Offender Database reported that Lee Bartlett, then 50, of Mayfield Road, Newquay, Cornwall, narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence at Truro Crown Court. Bartlett, a well-known former professional surfer and surfboard shaper who had competed at the top level in Britain and Europe, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. The investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police revealed that he had amassed a vile collection of more than 600 images depicting the horrendous abuse of children.
The court heard that Lee Bartlett’s predatory digital activity spanned a period from 2018 to June 2020. In total, he was found in possession of 183 Category A images—the most serious and violent classification—alongside 244 Category B and 177 Category C images. An NSPCC spokesperson condemned his actions, stating that by downloading such sickening content, Bartlett had played a direct role in fuelling a horrific industry that ruins the lives of the most vulnerable members of society.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Bartlett was sentenced to eight months in prison, with the sentence suspended for a period of two years. The judge ordered him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement. The court emphasised that the depraved nature of the images he collected necessitated long-term monitoring, despite the lack of immediate incarceration. The horrific discovery of this material on the devices of a prominent figure in the Newquay surfing community caused significant local distress.
As a result of his convictions for these vile sexual crimes, Lee Bartlett was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which places strict legal limits on his internet use and access to children. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Devon and Cornwall Police, remaining under intensive supervision for the duration of his order. Any breach of his SHPO or further predatory behaviour in Newquay, Cornwall, or elsewhere will result in his immediate arrest and imprisonment.
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