Indecent Image client avoids custody

Case study summary

Our client pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images and extreme pornography. It was clear that his autism had contributed heavily to his offending and we made sure this was put forward in mitigation that ultimately secured a suspended sentence.

Case study

Our client was a severely autistic man who pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images and extreme pornography. He had become depressed during the pandemic and turned to pornography as a coping mechanism. This slowly progressed into something much more serious and he found himself being arrested and having his electronic devices seized by the police.

He came to us having been represented by the duty solicitor in his first interview. He was unhappy with the care he had received and wanted to instruct a firm who specialise in indecent image cases. We began by taking some time to listen to his story and understand how his situation had spiraled out of control. It was clear that he was sorry for his actions but that they had become very difficult to control.

We attended a further police station interview and submitted a statement accepting that our client was responsible for the images but that he wanted to get help with his rehabilitation. This was a crucial first step with regard to his mitigation.

When he was charged, we instructed an autism expert to provide a report showing how his condiiton may have contributed to the offending behaviour. This, along with character references from family members and friends, and a positive Pre-sentence report from probation services, enabled us to secure him a suspended sentence and ensure that he continued his rehabilitation within the community.