Fawley man Darren Jackson sentenced to eight months’ jail, suspended for two years, after being caught with a million indecent pictures

A WATERSIDE man who was found in possession of about a million indecent images of children poses a “clear risk” to youngsters, says the leading officer in the case.

Darren Jackson (56) of Heather Road, Fawley, was sentenced to eight months’ jail, suspended for two years, when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday.

The court heard that Jackson had moving and still images on devices which ranged from category A – the most severe – to category C.

He was arrested after officers linked offences to an IP address which was traced back to him.

Items seized included a computer, two tablet devices and a mobile phone.

PC James Canneaux of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Amberstone team, who led the investigation, told the A&T: “Darren Jackson had an extremely large collection of indecent images – approximately one million.

“This was a very complex investigation and we have worked tirelessly to provide sufficient evidence to the courts around Jackson’s offending behaviour.

“It is clear that he poses a risk to children, and he will have very strict conditions imposed upon him.”

Judge Parker KC imposed a seven-year sexual harm prevention order and ordered Jackson to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and complete up to 35 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions.

PC Canneaux added: “Whilst this has not resulted in a custodial sentence, I hope this investigation highlights our commitment to relentlessly pursue criminals and keeping children in our communities safe across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Criminals need to know that the New Forest is a hostile environment for them, and that every effort will be made to see justice served.

“We will do everything we can to ensure offenders are put before the courts.”