Staffordshire father who had 350 indecent child images spared jail

Anthony Javens, aged 33, had 78 category A images, 100 category B images and 230 category C images on his computer, as well as more than 26 films.

The children in the images and films ranged from three to 15, a court was told

Javens, of New Street, Chasetown, appeared at Stafford Crown Court for sentencing after being convicted of possessing the images where the judge said his previous good character had stopped him from being jailed.

Mr Neil Ahuja, prosecuting, told the court : "In police interview, the defendant originally claimed he just used the computer to search the internet and watch movies.

"He claimed he couldn't explain how the images got onto his computer, but admitted it couldn't have been anyone else in his family.

"He also suggested that maybe the images had been downloaded accidentally as a result of the films he had downloaded."

Despite his initial objections, Javens pleaded guilty to the offences before Cannock Magistrates' court earlier this year.

Defence solicitor Mr Steven Bailey said: "My client is not working and is in very poor health.

"His financial situation is not good, he is living on benefits.

"He also has the financial burden of a divorce to come."

Javens was given a three-year community order.

He was also forced to sign on to the sex offenders register for five years and ordered to carry out a 60-day programme with probation officers.

He was also told that he was prohibited from using any device that can access the internet that couldn't have its history checked for a period of five years.

Sentencing Javens, Judge Mark Eades said: "I have been watching you while you have been in the dock and you have been hanging your head in shame.

"I don't suppose for one moment that you were hanging your head in shame when you downloaded and used these pictures.

"It is clearly something that you are addicted to and that is a truly sorry state.

"Your family has been ripped apart and that is down to you.

"Your wife and children have left you because you were lying to them.

"You probably thought that this was just you, alone with your computer but there are real victims in these cases and the wider effects are shocking.

"I would have no difficulty giving you a prison sentence but your previous good characters means I am not going to do that."