Paedophile who uploaded indecent image of teenage boy to Instagram spared jail because of his low IQ.

Winchester Man Spared Jail for Child Pornography Possession Due to Low IQ

Scott Fletcher-Wells, 25, was found in possession of over 70 indecent images of teenage boys on his phone. Despite the severity of the offense, he was spared a prison sentence due to his low IQ, which the judge determined hindered his understanding of the implications of his actions.

The investigation began in June 2020 when an indecent image was uploaded to an Instagram account linked to Fletcher-Wells. Police searched his flat and discovered three Category A images, eleven Category B images, and 60 Category C images on his phone, primarily depicting teenage boys.

The court heard that Fletcher-Wells had a history of similar offenses, having been previously cautioned for possessing indecent images of children. His defense argued that his history of abuse in foster care and his low IQ, possibly indicating autism, made him vulnerable and incapable of fully comprehending the nature of his actions.

Despite the mitigating factors, the judge stressed the seriousness of the offense and the harm inflicted upon the victims in the images. She emphasized the importance of understanding that such images are not merely fictional but represent real individuals who have been exploited and abused.

Fletcher-Wells was sentenced to a three-year community order, including a sexual harm prevention course, rehabilitation activity, and a fine. He was also banned from using electronic devices for five years, except for work-related purposes, and added to the sex offenders register.