June 2004

Man’s 129 pictures of kids

A man who was caught with 129 indecent computer pictures of children, has been spared a jail sentence.

Albert Bose, 58, was given a community penalty after Basildon Crown Court heard he did not download the images or intend to permanently save them on his computer.

Police discovered the images when they raided Bose’s home in May Avenue, Canvey, in February last year. The raid was part of Operation Ore, a nationwide investigation into child pornography.

Prosecutor Richard Potts said the material found on Bose’s computer was of various levels, mainly thumb-nail in size and were not enlarged.

Mr Potts said Bose, a man of previous good character, denied in police interviews he had downloaded or printed the pictures, mainly of young girls.

Judge Christopher Mitchell said in view of the defendant’s good character and his co-operation with police he would spare him a prison sentence.

Bose, who pleaded guilty to possessing the pictures, received a three-year rehabilitation order (probation) on condition he takes part in a sex offenders’ group programme.

He will also have his name placed on the national sex offenders’ register for five years.