Being accused of a crime that involves indecent images can be a shocking experience. It is one that is likely to unsettle you and make you extremely worried about the impact that it might have on your personal and professional life, and the lives of those you care about. If you are facing an indecent images offence, read on to learn more about what the offence is and how other cases in this category have been treated by the courts. This might help to settle your mind and prepare you to mount a defence with the assistance of your solicitor.
Because of the fact that indecent images often involve children and other vulnerable individuals, the law treats indecent images very seriously. A number of indecent images offences exist, and they are dealt with by different laws, including the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act of 2008. Some of the more common indecent images offences include:
Again, because of the fact that vulnerable people are involved in indecent images offences, the police are readily able to obtain a warrant to search your house and cease your possessions, which will likely include your phone, laptop, tablets, and any storage devices such as hard drives and USB sticks. The police may even look into your correspondence with other people, including text messages and emails, to try to ascertain whether you have committed this crime as part of a broader scheme that may be putting other people at risk.
Case Details | Judgment Date | Sentence | Link to Transcript |
Opening emails that the viewer knows to contain indecent images | 07/03/2002 | 2 years’ probation | Court Transcript |
Possession of deliberately edited slow motion video footage of a naked child | 30/07/2004 | 3 months’ imprisonment | Court Transcript |
Taking indecent images of children | 11/03/2015 | 1 year’s imprisonment | Court Transcript |
Disclosing a private sexual image with intent to cause distress | 07/03/2018 | 4 months’ imprisonment | Court Transcript |
Possession of unsolicited images showing sexual acts being committed on an animal | 03/03/2016 | Acquitted | Court Transcript |
Possession of extreme pornography involving an animal | 21/12/2011 | 6 months’ imprisonment | Court Transcript |
Possession of pornographic pseudo-photographs of children | 25/01/2017 | 1 year’s imprisonment |
Stuart Miller Solicitors has earned a robust reputation for successfully defending indecent images cases. We have a number of sexual offences and cybercrime solicitors on our team who specialise in this area of law, and they consistently deliver results to our clients – many of whom have been falsely accused of this offence. Examples include:
Sentences for indecent images depend on the severity of the indecency shown in the images and on the type of offence. In general, the more images that are possessed and the more severe the depiction of indecency in those images, the more severe the punishment will be. As a result, different categories attract different punishments:
Other offences, for example, revenge porn, may also be punished by an unlimited fine as well as up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
Depending on the type of offence for which you are convicted, you may be added to the ‘sex offenders register’ and you may have conditions place on your release, which might include having to report to the police station and having to observe a curfew.
Read more about indecent images sentencing.
If you are taken to a police station immediately upon arrest for an indecent images offence, the first thing you should do is request a visit from a solicitor. Thereafter, you will be able to discuss with your solicitor potential defences to what you have been charged with. When you do speak to your solicitor, make sure that you include all details about the situation and be 100% honest. It may be a very difficult situation for you to talk about, and if you have been involved you may be extremely ashamed and embarrassed, but it is best that your solicitor knows all the details so that they can properly prepare your defence.
Possible defences for indecent images offences include:
In addition to these special offences are a series of general defences that relate to the person accused and not to the specific circumstances of the crime itself. These include:
Read more about potential defences to indecent images offences.
If you or someone you care about needs additional assistance with an indecent images case, get in touch with the team at Stuart Miller Solicitors today. Our group of expert criminal defence solicitors are friendly and non-judgmental, and will be able to advise you on how best to defend your case if it ultimately goes to court. They will also be able to advise you on the best ways to deal with the fallout from being accused of something like this, which may help you to get your life back on track.
(This page was last updated on November 28, 2023.)
Responsive
A legal expert will consult you within 24 hours of making an enquiry.
Empathetic
We will always treat you with trust, understanding and respect.
Specialised
Your case will be handled by an expert who specialises in your type of offence.
Proactive
We will take early action to end proceedings as soon as it is practically and legally possible to do so.
Engaged
You will be kept updated on your case at all times. We will provide a named contact available to answer your questions.
Caring
We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your family. Our team will support you every step of the way.
Tenacious
We will never give up on your case. We fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.