Trowbridge man told to turn life around after image offences

Salisbury Law Courts on Wilton Road <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Salisbury Law Courts on Wilton Road (Image: Newsquest)
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A man who pleaded guilty to possession and making of indecent images of children has been sentenced.

Jack Harvey, 33, of Glebe Road in Trowbridge, was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Salisbury Law Courts on Friday, August 7.

The offences took place between September 8, 2023, and February 16, 2024, and relate to the possession of 19 images and making of 216 images.

In legal terms, 'making' an indecent image can include downloading, opening or saving it on a device, as this creates a new copy of the image; it does not necessarily mean the defendant produced the original image.

Harvey must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

The judge ordered the deprivation of the device upon which the images were found.

The prosecution told the court that the defendant had pleaded guilty to the charges.

Ms Sarah Brown told the court that Harvey used Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to exchange the images.

"He was not aware these images were illegal, but it was likely he shared them with others."

In mitigation, defence counsel Edward Armitage said that Harvey had shown regret and remorse for his actions.

"He understands the gravity of why he is here."

"You can see him shaking now in the dock."

He described Harvey's actions as "a terrible mistake exacerbated by drugs and alcohol" and explained that these substances were a "catalyst" for the offences.

Recorder Nicholas Haggan KC said: "These offences are so serious that the only appropriate sentence is one of imprisonment."

"You have been given a chance today to turn your life around."

Harvey was sentenced to two years of imprisonment, suspended for two years.

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