Alex Baldry

Alex Baldry, a 24-year-old resident of Ashcroft Road in Ipswich, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court after police discovered a substantial collection of indecent images and videos of children on his devices. The material, totalling 929 digital items, depicted children aged between six months and their teenage years in considerable pain and distress.

In March 2023, officers conducted a search of Baldry's home and uncovered the horrific content. Further investigation revealed that Baldry had been using the Telegram app to share these images in a secret group chat with 112 participants. He had previously pleaded guilty to making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child in categories A, B, and C, distributing indecent photographs of a child, and obtaining an article to assist in computer misuse offences.

Additional material found on his devices included malware known as a remote access trojan, which could potentially allow access to cameras and microphones on other people's computers. In mitigation, the court heard that Baldry had shown a great deal of remorse and that his actions stemmed from a deep-seated need to feel part of a community due to an avoidant personality disorder.

Recorder Emma Nash addressed Baldry directly during sentencing, stating: "This is not a made-up digital world; this is horrific depraved disgusting sexual abuse of children. The material you consumed was disgusting. I’m told you feel ashamed of yourself, you should be. To get enjoyment out of that is sickening Mr Baldry." The court imposed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with 30 rehabilitation activity days, a 26-day accredited programme, and 250 hours of unpaid work.

The case was reported by the Ipswich Star, highlighting the severity of child sexual exploitation offences in the Suffolk area.