Oxford Student Convicted of Child Pornography Offenses

An Oxford student has been convicted of downloading child pornography and has been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for five years. However, the student continued to study in Oxford for several weeks after his conviction and did not inform his college or the University.

The student, whom The Oxford Student has decided not to name, was convicted on 5th May on eight counts of possessing child pornography and sentenced to a three year Community Rehabilitation Order as well as being placed on the Sex Offenders' Register. Neither Oxford University nor the student's college were aware of the conviction before being contacted by The Oxford Student.

A Senior Member of the college's staff told this newspaper: "We were not aware of this and we have to respect whatever process he was put through." A spokeswoman for the University admitted it could not necessarily prevent convicted students from returning to Oxford: "The way the criminal justice system works means that there is no obligation for a student to inform the University of any conviction.

"We do co-operate closely with local police but if a student is convicted outside of Oxford there is little the University can do." When this newspaper spoke to the student, he confirmed he had been convicted and given the rehabilitation order. He added he had first been arrested 13 months before the hearing.

However he maintained: "The sentence was excessive, I am considering appealing" Before The Oxford Student spoke to him, he had not been contacted by the University or his college over the matter. The student had been charged under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, Chapter 33 Section 160: Possession of an indecent photograph of a child.

At the hearing, where the student pleaded guilty, his lawyer, Mr Smith [name has been changed], said that his client had been downloading images from websites like 'Gay Teen' for three or four years but stressed that he had not been seeking child pornography and would often have been looking at males who were only two years younger than himself. However the presiding District Judge rejected claims that the defendant had stumbled across the images by accident.

He said: "Those files are there because he selected them and there's what looks like an eight-year-old boy among them. "There's no doubt into what waters your client was fishing, Mr Smith." The Oxford Student understands that at a preliminary hearing, the student did not enter a plea. Sentencing the student, the Judge said: "These photos are not large in number. Some are grotesque, all are revolting, and now, at the 11th hour, you have admitted that you sought them out and downloaded them." The student was told by the Judge: "If you re-offend during this period [the three year Community Rehabilitation Order] with a matter of this kind you will be going to jail." The order placed on the student allows for his case to be transferred between Oxford Probation Services and his local Probation Services as he moves between Oxford and his home.

Smith confirmed that his client's Community Rehabilitation Order had been transferred to Oxford Probation Services whilst his client was in the city. For the initial period of the order, he has to report to a supervisor every week although it is subject to review after three months. The University Proctors' Office could not confirm or deny that they were dealing with the case, but Statute XI of the university regulations states: '43. (1) If a student member has been convicted of a criminal offence of such seriousness that an immediate term of imprisonment might have been imposed (and whether or not such a sentence was in fact imposed on the student member) the Proctors shall refer the matter to the Disciplinary Court which may ... expel the student member from his or her membership of the University or impose such lesser penalty as it thinks fit.' The offences of which the student was convicted are of such seriousness.

The student told this newspaper he intends to stay in Oxford and complete his degree, however a senior source within the University have told The Oxford Student it is likely he will be sent down. The University would not comment specifically on the case, but a spokeswoman said: "If a student was perceived to be a danger to other students, it would be something the University Marshall would have to take a decision on."

Gianfranco Fracassi is the webmaster of two popular free stuff web sites. You can find many subjects that will interest you. Check out his web sites at: http://www.isjustfree.com or http://www.freestuff4net.com

---

Better Links Directory

Academic Research on the Internet : There Is a Better Way

Students nowadays start their research projects by looking up information... Read More

Marketing Students: 5 Guidelines For Your Final Paper

Get motivated! ('Why do I write this paper?")This is a... Read More

Online Degree Tips - Your Guide To Online Degree Programs

Is an Online Business Degree Right for You?Deciding if an... Read More

The Challenges College Students Face on Secular Campuses

What is happening on the campuses of secular universities across... Read More

Need Help Paying Back Student Loans?

Many college students and graduates are looking for a solution... Read More

Student Loans ? Ensuring a Brighter Future Ahead

Higher education in the university gives students a chance to... Read More

Pre-Bachelor

The program should be one term, two terms or three... Read More

How To Improve Your Study Habits and Remember Better

If you're a student attending classes, you have probably experienced... Read More

An Education in Saving on Textbooks

Every year students flock to the college bookstore to purchase... Read More

Limperts Academy of Design Opens Interior Design Education / US and Canada

You may be bursting at the seams with natural talent,... Read More

GCSE English I Hate the Moor Notes about Othello

The Shakespearean play "Othello" describes a cruel chain of events... Read More

How to Save Money While at College

Still struggling to pay off the college loan? Have you... Read More

Hidden College Costs: Roommate Conflict

Parents, if you're already reeling from the costs of today's... Read More

Online Education: 57 Leading Institutions

Getting a college degree today is easier than ever before... Read More

Distance Learning and Distance Learning Online

Distance learning has become extremely appealing and widely attended because... Read More

Thinking of Dropping Out of College?

If rising tuition costs or personal concerns have made you... Read More

Writing The All-Important College Application Essay

The application essay is the most crucial piece of writing... Read More

Who Can Apply For Online Nursing Degrees?

Online nursing degrees are college degrees in the field of... Read More

What You Should Know About Scholarships

When it's time to go to college, the word "scholarship"... Read More

Revolt of the Scholars

http://www.realsci.com/Scindex's Instant Publishing Service is about empowerment. The... Read More

Aurel Voiculescu Memories From High School

High School Ion Minulescu, Slatina, Graduates 1991.Clasa XII A, Baboi... Read More

What to Look for When Choosing an Online Degree Program

Choosing an online education program should be exciting and fun.... Read More

How to Survive with As

Attend ClassGo to class, every class, every time. It is... Read More

Building Interaction Into Your Online Course

You've already decided that you're ready to author online and... Read More

Natural Healing Schools

What are NATURAL HEALING SCHOOLS? Natural Healing Schools teach natural... Read More