Errol Friend

Errol Friend, a 48-year-old resident of Fulwell Road in Teddington, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 19th October 2011 for possessing and making indecent images of children. He had been found guilty by a jury on 13 counts of making indecent photographs of children, involving a total of 423 images, following a week-long trial that concluded on 28th September 2011.

The case came to light after police raided Friend's home on 5th August 2009. During the search, computer experts uncovered the images stored under the username 'Errol' or 'Errol F'. The material ranged from children posing sexually to more severe content, including three images depicting sadism between children and adults. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Friend had conducted Google searches for terms such as 'raping little girls' and 'pregnant pre-teen', which prosecutors linked to his possession of the illegal material.

Throughout the trial, Friend maintained his innocence, claiming he had no knowledge of how the images ended up on his computer. Despite this, the jury convicted him. At sentencing, Judge Richard Southwell described the child pornography images as 'evil', emphasising their origins in the corruption or coercion of children. He stated: 'The evil in these images - and it hardly needs me to tell you - stems from the fact that children were required [through] corruption or coercion for the photos to be taken in the first place and that is a revolting thought for any right-minded person.' The judge further noted that creating demand for such images perpetuates harm to the young victims featured.

Judge Southwell acknowledged Friend's willingness to participate in a sex offender's programme as a sign of remorse, despite his denial of the charges. Friend's defence, represented by Neil Ross, highlighted evidence of his positive character. Detective Constable Tracy Harrison, who led the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, commented: 'In cases such as this we must remember that every image represents a child who has been abused in order that the image may exist.'

The sentence imposed was nine months' imprisonment, suspended for one year, with additional requirements including a one-year supervision period under the probation service and mandatory engagement in a one-to-one internet sex offender's programme. Friend was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register.