Snodland Sex Offender Jailed for Accessing Illegal Child Images
A convicted sex offender near Snodland has been locked up for three years after police monitoring software flagged his repeated access to illegal images of children.
Faulkner Breaks Strict Internet Ban
Richard Faulkner, 70, was under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that banned him from using any internet device unless fitted with police-approved monitoring software.
Despite these measures, Faulkner breached the order and tried to cover up his online activity.
How Police Caught Him Red-Handed
- Faulkner was placed under the SHPO in January 2024 after previous convictions for indecent images.
- On August 26, 2024, Kent Police received an alert from the monitoring software on his computer showing he was accessing illegal content again.
- A police search of his home near High Street, Wouldham, uncovered his registered computer and multiple undisclosed devices, violating his SHPO conditions.
Forensic Probe Uncovers Shocking Evidence
Faulkner denied wrongdoing and claimed no sexual interest in children during his police interview. He claimed ignorance of how illegal images appeared on his devices.
But a forensic analysis revealed:
- Hundreds of thousands of illegal images
- Over 160 photos and videos in the most severe category, showing horrific child abuse
Guilty Plea Sees Faulkner Sentenced
Faulkner pled guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to making indecent images of children, breaching his SHPO, and failing to register multiple bank and credit cards with police.
On February 4, 2025, he was sentenced to three years in prison, including activation of a previously suspended sentence.
Police Vow to Clamp Down on SHPO Breaches
Sergeant Steph Kirkin of Kent Police slammed Faulkner’s attempts to bypass monitoring.
“Faulkner had been subject to strict measures to reduce reoffending. He tried to fool the monitoring software to hide his frequent search for disturbing images, many showing horrific abuse of children.”
“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders protect children. We will make sure anyone ignoring them faces the consequences.”
Technology and Public Vigilance Key to Protection
This case highlights how police are using technology to track high-risk offenders and hold them accountable.
The public is urged to report suspicious online child exploitation by:
- Calling 101 for non-emergencies
- Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
- Dialling 999 in an emergency
Faulkner is now behind bars, but police continue monitoring other offenders under SHPOs to prevent reoffending.
