Ashford man Simon Ross jailed for downloading child abuse images
15:46, 28 July 2020
updated: 16:32, 28 July 2020
A man has been jailed for downloading child abuse images despite an order banning him from the internet.
Simon Ross, of Simons Avenue, Ashford, plead guilty to making indecent photographs in November, making him the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
A condition of this order was that his internet use was restricted, and that officers could search his house to ensure he was complying with the conditions.
In December - only a month after the Order was made - a home visit uncovered more than 500 prohibited images on a laptop in the 42-year-old's home.
Ross was arrested and later charged with possession of prohibited images and making indecent images of a child.
He admitted those charges and was brought before Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, July 17 where he was jailed for two years and 10 months.
Ross was also made the subject of a new 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will restrict his access to the internet upon release.
DC Marie-Anne Carr said: "Behind every indecent image is a child who has been the victim of abuse and protecting children from harm is a priority for Kent Police.
"Ross has shown that previous court orders will not stop him from offending and I hope he uses his time in prison to rehabilitate."
