Jonathon Anthony James

A 34-year-old man from Poole has been sentenced to 14 months in prison following the discovery of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices. Jonathon Anthony James appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on 22 December 2014, where he pleaded guilty to eight offences related to the making and possession of indecent images and movies of children, as well as possession of extreme pornography including bestiality.

The investigation began in August 2014 when Dorset Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) was alerted to James's online activities. Officers promptly raided his home address in Poole, seizing various computers and electronic equipment. Forensic examination revealed a collection of category A movies, which depict the most severe forms of child abuse, alongside other indecent materials.

Upon his release, James will be subject to a Sex Offenders’ Prevention Order and required to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register, measures aimed at protecting the public from further offending. The case underscores the effectiveness of specialist police units in tracking digital footprints left by individuals accessing illegal content online.

Deputy Director of Public Protection, Detective Chief Inspector Chris Naughton, commented on the operation: 'We are using technology to combat offenders who use the internet as a weapon to attack and abuse children. These people try to hide what they do online. Offenders need to know that the internet is not a safe anonymous space for accessing indecent images or grooming children. They leave a digital footprint and we will find it.' This statement highlights the ongoing efforts by Dorset Police to collaborate with UK and international units to identify and prosecute those exploiting children through cyberspace.

The Bournemouth Echo reported the sentencing details, drawing from court records and police statements to emphasise the repeated victimisation of children each time such images are viewed. James's conviction serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.