Successful Businessman Avoids Jail After Destroying Child Abuse Images

A businessman was caught with over 1,700 child abuse images but avoided jail due to his wife's cancer diagnosis.

Steven Bowden, owner of a bespoke joinery company, claimed he viewed the explicit photos while under distress due to his wife Heather's diagnosis with aggressive breast cancer.

During a police investigation, Bowden panicked and destroyed a hard drive containing the images, dumping it in a river. He admitted to this act as an "impulsive" moment of "pure panic."

The court heard that Bowden had received the computer containing the child pornography from a deceased family member's estate. He admitted to viewing the content and failing to report it to the police.

Bowden was found with 1,734 indecent images of children, including 145 of the most serious category. Despite his actions, the judge considered his wife's health condition as a mitigating factor.

The judge highlighted Bowden's wife's support and her need for him due to her health. He sentenced Bowden to an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Bowden will also complete community service, pay court costs, and undergo rehabilitation activities. A sexual harm prevention order was also imposed for the next 10 years.