Christopher Grigg

A man from Ilminster has been sentenced at Yeovil Magistrates' Court for possessing a large collection of child pornography and extreme images. Christopher Grigg, who now resides in Cardiff, appeared before District Judge Angela Brereton and pleaded guilty to multiple counts of making indecent photographs of children and possessing extreme pornographic material.

The offences took place between July 31, 2019, and November 5, 2023, at Grigg's address in Ilminster. Following online investigations, police attended his home and discovered more than 6,000 indecent movies and images of children stored on his devices. Among these were 252 Category A images—the most serious category—380 Category B images, and 252 Category C images. Additionally, on November 7, 2023, Grigg was found in possession of extreme pornographic images depicting intercourse with animals, described as grossly offensive and obscene.

Prosecutor Jennifer Knape detailed how police received information leading to an IP address linked to Grigg's email and home. 'The police acted after receiving information and found a total of 31 Category A indecent movies had been added to an account which was linked to a particular email address,' she said. 'The IP address led them to the defendant’s home, and once there, a search was conducted and they discovered a device which contained the indecent images, some involving children under the age of six, and he was arrested.'

Grigg had a prior conviction in 2011 for similar offences, for which he received a community order with supervision. Defending solicitor Sam White highlighted Grigg's cooperation with authorities, noting that he offered up all his devices during the police visit. 'There was a no comment interview at the police station but once the images were found there was full cooperation,' White stated. He added that Grigg had separated from his wife, suffered mental health issues, and shown insight into his offending. Grigg, employed as an HGV driver, expressed hope to move on with his life.

District Judge Brereton imposed a 52-week prison sentence, suspended for one year, citing Grigg's potential for rehabilitation through the Probation Service. He was ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days, pay £85 in costs and a £149 victim surcharge, and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also issued for 10 years, imposing stringent conditions monitored by the police. The case was reported by Chard & Ilminster News, based on proceedings at Yeovil Magistrates' Court.