Indecent images charge dropped after written representations

Our client was charged with possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornography. Only a small number of images were identified in each category.

According to our client’s instructions, he was a member of several WhatsApp groups, including a so-called “sticker group” with numerous participants who frequently exchanged 'stickers'—small image thumbnails—via messages. He stated that he routinely deleted these messages without paying attention to their content.

While our client accepted that no one else had access to the device on which the images were found, he was adamant that he never viewed, saved, or was aware of receiving any such material—if, indeed, such images had been sent.

The prosecution instructed an expert to provide an opinion on how the images came to be on the device. In response, we instructed our own expert, who examined the device and identified significant flaws in the prosecution's evidence.

Ultimately, the prosecution was unable to establish how the images came to be on the device and could only confirm their presence.

We then submitted detailed written representations to the prosecution. 

Following a review of the case, the prosecution offered no evidence and the matter was discontinued.

Rachel Hobba acted in this case. Tom Edward of Mountford Chambers was instructed.