Man Jailed For Making Nearly 900 Indecent Child Images

A Jersey man who made nearly 900 indecent images of children has been jailed for two and a half years.

More than a third of them were in the most serious category.

The Royal Court heard that Ian Martyn Le Gallais, who's 53, made the images over a five-year period and spoke to people online about child abuse.

He was arrested in December 2019 and had 11 devices seized, including a computer and iPhone 8.

526 images were found on the computer and 367 were discovered on the phone. He initially denied making them but eventually pleaded guilty to all charges.

56 of them were movies. They were all Category A, which is the most serious category.

He's also been placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. A ten-year order was also imposed to stop him living with or being alone with children. His internet use will also be restricted.

Defence Advocate John Gollop said Le Gallais has taken the opportunity to seek help as he recognises how far he's fallen - insisting he wants to take constructive and positive steps to change.

In sentencing, Lieutenant Bailiff Anthony Olsen said the defenceless children in these images are not actors or capable of consenting - calling the acts they suffered shocking and saddening.

Jersey Police say the viewing and making of indecent images causes real harm to children.

"It creates a market and demand for these types of pictures so leads to further abuse. It is far from a victimless crime, the children in the pictures are real children, who suffer real harm. The States of Jersey Police are committed to catching those who offend in this way and ensuring that they are put before the courts. 

"Anyone who has concerns about suspected Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation can contact the MASH on 519000 or the Public Protection Unit at Police Headquarters via 612612. Dewberry House can be contacted on 888222."

The two devices with the indecent images will be destroyed.