A community breathed a sigh of relief after a man was convicted of creating extremely disturbing child pornography. However, they were shocked when the judge allowed him to walk free due to his “unusual circumstances.”
For decades, 53-year-old Simon Howell lived a life that was all but cut off from society. Resigned to his Waterlooville address in England, Howell lived a “solitary life” since he suffered from learning difficulties and a hand deformity, which made him the target of the local children’s mockery. No one had any idea that the quiet, middle-aged man who kept to himself was actually a seasoned pedophile.
Although the world is deeply divided at almost every level, nearly everyone can agree that crimes against children are the most heinous and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Even in prison, child predators are at the bottom of the criminal hierarchy, often suffering relentless brutality from fellow inmates. However, thanks to one court’s decision, Howell received little more than a slap on the wrist for his offenses.
According to The News-Portsmouth, police initiated a bust at Howell’s home in Thrush Walk, uncovering an extensive collection of “horrific” child pornography. Over 800 pictures and videos on multiple electronic devices showcased children between the ages of 5 and 12 being forced into sexual acts.
Howell had denied possessing the images, but investigators managed to recover files he had attempted to conceal on his laptop and mobile phone by using encryption methods. Along with the graphic images, the investigation also revealed explicit searches on Howell’s devices, including “boys in shower”, “little boys with speedos off”, “young boy erection”, and “boys naked Japan”, prosecutor Simon Gledhill confirmed.
Although Howell faced a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes after he was found guilty, he would never see the inside of a prison cell. Despite showing no remorse and pleading not guilty to 3 charges of making indecent images of children, Howell was spared a prison sentence when Judge William Ashworth took pity on him, calling him “vulnerable” due to his “isolated life.”
“You are vulnerable, you live an isolated life and your parents have died,” the judge said. “You are someone who has hoarded for a number of years and your one source of contact is your congregation and that’s now in jeopardy.”
Judge Ashworth added, “You live in total isolation and that is a factor that has led you to offend in this way so it is probably best for you to work with probation.”
Judge Ashworth’s decision came after defense attorney Robert Bryan presented Howell as a lonely, mistreated recluse. He explained that his client had become somewhat of a shut-in because of the local children’s cruelty toward his appearance and secluded lifestyle.
“The defendant lives alone and is teased by local youths who call him various names, mentioning a hand deformity,” he said. “He leads a solitary life and was in special needs classes from aged five to 16 at school.”
Judge Ashworth reasoned that although Howell was not accused of directly abusing children, his actions had dangerous and far-reaching consequences. Still, he justified releasing Howell without jail time.
“Each image represents a moment in a child’s life where they are horrifically abused in circumstances where they are completely unable to defend themselves with the trauma often life-long,” the judge said. “‘Your behaviour in downloading these images indicates a sexual interest in young children.”
In lieu of prison time, Howell was reprimanded to just 35 days in rehab and ordered to take a sex offender’s program. In addition, Judge Ashworth ruled against issuing a fine for Howell, concluding that he was “unsuitable” for employment and had “limited means.”
“Unusually the only punishment is for you having to confront what you did,” Judge Ashworth admitted.
Simon Howell walked away from the courtroom as a free man. His life will be no different than it was before, save for a month of rehab and a court-ordered offenders program. The victims of Howell’s perversion have received no justice.
Likewise, the community is no safer than it was before Howell was caught. On all accounts, it seems as if the court has not only failed in its duties but also set a precedent that may embolden other child predators.
Source: Tap Worthy Happenings
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