A vile repeat offender from Ramsgate, who is understood to have changed his name by deed poll after his last conviction, has been jailed for six years for making and distributing some 200 indecent images of children.
Kent Police received information in February 2018 that Robert Burns, previously known as Duncan Smith, had used the internet to distribute indecent images of children in January 2018.
Burns, 43, of Wellington Crescent, was arrested at his home on Friday 16 February 2018 and detectives searched his belongings.
His laptop and memory sticks were seized, which were found to contain a video and around 200 indecent images, 36 of which were Category A – the most serious level. Officers also uncovered a number of internet searches he’d made when looking for indecent material online.
Burns was recalled to prison after his actions had breached conditions set out to him following a previous conviction for similar offences and the investigation continued.
He later pleaded guilty to five counts of making indecent images and two counts of distributing indecent images and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday (February 11).
Investigating officer Detective Constable Katie Coleman said: “Burns still hasn’t learnt his lesson despite previous convictions for similar offences and ongoing interventions. As such he has now been sent back to prison for his offending.
“People like Burns who are sharing indecent images online forget that behind every image is a child who has been the victim of abuse. We will do everything within our power at Kent Police to ensure those committing these awful crimes are caught and brought to justice.”
The former manager of the Oval Hotel in Cliftonville was previously convicted in 2013 for indecent image offences.
An NSPCC spokesperson added: “Burns needs to understand the seriousness of his persistent offending and appropriate treatment, as part of his sentence, will help to lessen the risk he poses in future.
“Children have been subjected to horrific levels of abuse in order for these images to be produced and by making and distributing them Burns is fuelling this vile trade.
“The only way to stop it is for this type of material to be cut off at source, which is why the NSPCC is urging the government and the tech industry to work together to stop indecent images of children being readily available online.”
If you are concerned about what you are looking at online, or the online behaviour of someone you know, you can call the confidential and anonymous ‘Stop It Now’ helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and help to stop. Or visit https://get-help.stopitnow.org.uk/