Stuart Santos, the Gibraltar Paedophile, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday for downloading 445 photographs of child sexual assault material.
Stuart Santos, 49, admitted guilt to a charge of downloading photos subsequent to a collaborative investigation conducted by Detectives from the RGP’s Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) and Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT).
An analysis of Stuart Santos’s devices revealed the download of 228 ‘Category A’ images, 91 ‘Category B’ photographs, and 126 ‘Category C’ photographs.
Category A photos denote the most severe classification.
Puisne Judge Liam Yeats considered mitigating factors, including Stuart Santos’ remorse and his prompt guilty plea, at sentencing.
However, he stated that the offences were of such gravity that a jail sentence was necessary for Stuart Santos.
“Although you may not have directly harmed anyone, the creation of indecent images of children caters to the desires of individuals seeking sexual gratification,” stated Mr Justice Yeats.
“The consumption of indecent images sustains the demand for them.”
“In sentencing for this type of offence, this court frequently reiterates the evident and lamentable truth that it is not a victimless crime.”
“Significant harm is inflicted upon children depicted in these types of images.”
“Furthermore, victims persist in enduring the psychological torment of realising that, in the majority of instances, the images will perpetually circulate.”
“I cannot concede that you, Stuart Santos, believed you were not causing harm to anyone.”
“You are a certified educator and have experience as a youth worker and community service officer.”
“It is unimaginable that you failed to recognise the damage inflicted by observing these images.”
The hearing for a Sexual Offences Prevention Order application was postponed to a later date.
Acting Inspector Jo Ullger of the RGP’s Public Protection Unit stated, “This case exemplifies our steadfast dedication to safeguarding children from all forms of exploitation.”
“These offences, although non-contact in nature, inflict genuine harm.”
The protection of children is a paramount concern for the Public Protection Unit, and this conviction highlights the efficacy of online surveillance, digital forensics, and interagency cooperation in addressing child abuse.
I thank the officers engaged for their professionalism in a complex and delicate investigation.
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