Darren Phelps

An Oxfordshire man, Darren Phelps, has been imprisoned following his conviction for possessing indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. The case, heard at Oxford Crown Court, highlights ongoing issues with compliance to protective measures aimed at preventing sexual harm.

Phelps, aged 59 and residing on High Street in Drayton St. Leonard, initially received a sexual harm prevention order in March 2022 after being convicted on five charges of possessing indecent images of children. Despite this, on February 4, 2023, officers from Thames Valley Police conducted a routine inspection of his electronic devices at his home. During the visit, they discovered a significant cache of prohibited material, including images of a child appearing to be around 14 years old. A laptop was found hidden under his mattress, and a USB stick in his coat pocket contained further indecent images. Additional images were located on two electronic tablets.

The prosecution, led by barrister Serena Lit, detailed the severity of the breaches to the court. Phelps had amassed two category A images, one category B, 128 category C, and 143 prohibited images of children. Ms Lit stated: "There are very serious breaches which risked harm. He denied searching for images of young children." The court was informed that these actions represented a persistent and serious risk, with Phelps engaging in conversations with individuals exhibiting paedophilic tendencies.

• Phelps pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
• He also admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children.
• One count of possession of a prohibited image of a child was included in the charges.

In mitigation, Peter Du Feu argued on Phelps' behalf, describing him as a man in his 50s with a previously blameless life, marred by a 35-year abusive relationship that ended with his 2022 arrest. Du Feu noted: "It came to an end with the arrest in 2022. He freely admits he became addicted to pornography. He has been working with a charity and the probation service." He emphasised that Phelps had shown no further transgressions in the two and a half years since the offending, had received support from his family, and was now better equipped to combat his addiction.

Judge Michael Roques acknowledged Phelps' difficult background but underscored the gravity of the offences. He remarked: "Officers discovered a number of images of what appeared to be a 14-year-old girl. This was a serious and persistent breach. This involved a very serious risk of harm. You were engaging in conversations with people with paedophilic tendencies." Consequently, Phelps was sentenced to 20 months in prison and received a new 10-year sexual harm prevention order. The court also ordered the destruction of his electronic devices.

This case was reported by Toby Oliver for This is Oxfordshire, based on proceedings at Oxford Crown Court on November 17, 2024.