Kristian Fernandez

A 65-year-old man from Ramsgate has been sentenced to prison for downloading child abuse images in violation of a court-imposed Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). Kristian Fernandez, residing on Clements Road, was given a two-year, three-month custodial sentence at Canterbury Crown Court on 12 May 2021, following his admission to three counts of making an indecent image of a child.

The case stems from an incident in June 2019 when members of Kent Police’s Offender Management Unit visited Fernandez's address as part of routine checks under the terms of his SOPO. This order had been imposed on him in 2009 after he was previously sentenced for similar offences. During the visit on 6 June 2019, an officer examined a phone at the property and discovered an indecent image of a child, leading to the device's immediate seizure.

Forensic analysis of the phone revealed a collection of indecent videos and images, including 16 at category A—the most explicit category as defined by police and courts—along with additional category B and C materials, totalling more than 20 items. Fernandez was arrested and charged shortly thereafter with the three offences related to these findings.

Investigator Jean Farbrace from Kent Police commented on the severity of such crimes, stating: 'The children abused in indecent images are real victims of real crimes and anyone accessing such images is complicit in their abuse. Fernandez continued to access such images despite being the subject of an order imposed by a court and the sentence imposed on him shows that those who take part in this activity face prison when caught.' This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Kent Police to monitor and enforce restrictions on known offenders to protect vulnerable children.

The sentencing reflects the court's firm stance on child sexual exploitation offences, particularly for repeat offenders breaching preventive measures. Fernandez's prior conviction in 2009 highlights a pattern of behaviour that the authorities are determined to address through rigorous monitoring and prosecution.