Prison sentence for man who hoarded thousands of child abuse images

A sex offender from Canterbury has been sentenced after officers discovered thousands of indecent images of children.

Investigation

An investigation began in July 2024 when Richard Mumford of St Mary’s Gardens, Canterbury, was visited by officers. Kent Police conducted regular checks on the 40 year old who was on the Sex Offenders Register.

During visits to his address, indecent images of children were found across multiple electronic devices. Evidence was also found to suggest that he had attempted to delete his internet history.

He was charged with 16 offences which included the making and possession of indecent images of children, and possession of bladed weapons after two swords were recovered during a search.

Mumford appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court on 4 September 2025, where he entered a guilty plea for all charges.

Thousands of images

In total, 7,193 indecent and prohibited images of children were graded and confirmed by officers. Some of the images found on his devices included victims as young as three years old, with 1,350 images being classified at the most serious category.

On Wednesday 18 March 2026 at Canterbury Crown Court, Mumford, was sentenced to 28 months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Heidi Collins said:

‘Mumford’s actions were not only criminal but deeply disturbing. The staggering volume of indecent material uncovered reflects a sustained and deliberate exploitation of children.

‘Thanks to the tireless work of our investigators, he will spend time behind bars, where he can no longer prey on the most vulnerable in society. Kent Police will relentlessly pursue those who commit such appalling offences, and we will do everything in our power to protect children from harm.’