March 2022

Man found with child abuse photos shortly after release from jail gets further prison term

A man released from a jail term for engaging in sexual communication with a child was then found with child abuse images.

Bjorn Ballard of Westbury-On-Severn was released from his sentence in May 2020, a court heard.

But after police made a check visit to him just two days later his electronic devices were analysed. And it emerged he had some 10 photos of youngsters, six of which were deemed to be showing the highest Category A level of abuse.

Ballard, 43, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two charges of making indecent photos of children.

He appeared at Bristol Crown Court via video link from HMP Channings Wood for sentence

Judge James Patrick jailed him for 10 months. He told Ballard: “You should understand that the police will continue to monitor you and your computer use. You must take steps to ensure you are acting in away which is beyond reproach.”

Charlotte Evans, prosecuting, said police visited Ballard, analysed his laptop computer and mobile phone and found ten child abuse images. Ballard could not recall viewing the images but conceded no-one else would have accessed his devices