Ditton man jailed for possessing indecent images of children

45 year-old man sentenced to 16 months in prison

A man from Ditton has been jailed for 16 months for possessing indecent images of children.

Richard Murray, 45 years-old, formerly of Fernleigh Rise, Ditton, was jailed before Maidstone Crown Court on 15 November after pleading guilty to four counts of possessing indecent images of children, two counts of possessing extreme pornography, one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child and six counts of making indecent images of children.

Warrant executed

On 13 March 2012, officers from the Kent Police child exploitation investigation team executed a warrant at Murray’s address after intelligence suggested that Murray was downloading indecent images.

Imprisoned for 16 months

Murray was arrested and taken to Tonbridge police station for questioning. Analysis of computer equipment seized at the address found 99,481 still images and 295 movies. He was later charged with the offences, and was today imprisoned for 16 months.

'Vast quantities'

Dectective Constable Matthew Avery from the Child Exploitation Investigation Team said: 'Despite Murray initially denying any wrongdoing, the forensic analysis revealed overwhelming evidence of long-term downloading of vast quantities of indecent images. People must understand that there is no excuse for downloading this material, which represents real children being abused, and serves to prolong the effects of the abuse on the victims.'

Murray will also be subject to a sexual offences prevention order.

Posted on: 15 November 2012