Christopher Goble, the Paedophile Diocese of Coventry Vicar from Ilmington, who previously appeared on the BBC to deliver his “thought for the day,” was discovered in possession of an alarming 1,700 obscene photographs of children.
A paedophile vicar who acquired hundreds of disturbing child abuse photographs has been sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Christopher Goble, who previously appeared on the BBC to deliver his “thought for the day,” was discovered in possession of an alarming 1,700 obscene photographs of children.
A judge was informed that his laptop and phone included over 600 “category A” photographs, the most severe classification, some of which depicted infants being subjected to horrendous abuse.
Christopher Goble, a married parent affiliated with the Diocese of Coventry, was suspended following the discovery of his abhorrent collection during a police raid at his residence on September 30.
Investigators uncovered that the discredited clergyman had conducted searches for terms like “incest” and “young children” prior to accumulating his illicit collection over a span of five years.
He possessed severe pornography depicting women being penetrated by dogs and horses and communicated with another adult about the abuse of a youngster via communications.
Christopher Goble, from Ilmington, Warks., admitted to producing 627 category A indecent photos of minors between November 2014 and September of this year.
Christopher Goble also confessed to producing 445 category B indecent photographs of children and 629 category C indecent images.
Furthermore, he acknowledged possessing six illicit photos of penetrative sexual acts and 17 extreme pornographic images, including those portraying oral sex with an animal.
Christopher Goble was sentenced to 20 months of incarceration by Judge Sylvia de Bertodano at Warwick Crown Court today (Wednesday).
Christopher Goble is required to register as a sex offender for a duration of 10 years and will be subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the like period.
During sentencing, Judge de Bertodano stated: You are present because on September 30, law enforcement arrived at your residence.
They initially scanned your phone and discovered a concealed gallery containing inappropriate photographs of minors.
They proceeded to examine further devices and discovered two computers containing more photos.
Over 600 of these photos were classified as category A, the most severe category, with nearly 2,000 in total, predominantly static but some dynamic.
They encompass photographs depicting the sexual assault of extremely young children and infants at the most severe level.
It was a compilation you had amassed over approximately five years.
These are grave offences. Individuals may believe that merely seeing images or films created by others does not constitute any severe wrongdoing on their part.
However, such is not the situation. You are observing images of actual children subjected to severe abuse.
These images are produced for an audience, specifically individuals who wish to view them.
This case implicates you in a market with an insatiable need for images of abuse, which perpetuates the creation of such images and the ongoing abuse of children.
Your actions have significantly contributed to the egregious maltreatment of the children depicted in these images.
You are not the type of individual that one would anticipate offending in this manner.
You are 44 years old. You are not just a person of commendable character, but your occupation also renders you a revered figure of moral authority within the society.
It is particularly disturbing that an individual in your position would transgress against these most vulnerable members of society.
I am confident that you performed your duties brilliantly (HOW THE F*** DOES THE IDIT KNOW THAT?). I received a letter from one of your troubled parishioners who commends you highly.
You are a family man with impressionable children whom you have lost due to this situation.
You have forfeited your employment and compromised your integrity.
Several aggravating circumstances exist. The children engaged are of a very early age.
You were persistently searching for photographs of this nature for an extended duration.
Christopher Goble was previously photographed in 2015 delivering his “thought for the day” to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.
The court was informed that Goble had served in South Warwickshire and was discovered with certain distorted material concealed in a hidden folder on his phone.
Prosecutor Adrian Fleming stated that when police officers executed a search warrant at his residence, he was requested to provide his phone, to which he originally asserted that he had misplaced it two days prior.
It was located in his trouser pocket. The phone included a concealed photo gallery housing numerous pornographic photographs and a substantial quantity of indecent images of minors.
They also discovered an HP laptop and a Compaq laptop.
These devices contained 627 category A indecent images, 445 category B indecent images, and 629 category C indecent photographs.
The overwhelming bulk remain stationary. A few animated visuals exist. Certain exhibits depict penetrative intercourse with infants.
Images depict anal penetration involving a one-year-old and a five-year-old.
Four iPhones and three PCs are inaccessible, hence it cannot be asserted that they do not harbour illicit material.
The Crown petitions for the seizure and destruction of all these items.
Christopher Goble conducted several searches, including those related to incest and minors. These are enquiries on search engines for illicit content.
Explicit messaging was discovered that detailed the abuse of youngsters.
Christopher Goble has been communicating with another adult and harbouring sexual fantasies involving minors. This occurred lately, in September of this year.
The court was informed that the messages depicted the abuse of a kid under six years old; nonetheless, Goble was not charged due to the lack of evidence supporting that the offence occurred.
Naomi Perry, representing Christopher Goble, stated: He has not previously committed any offences.
The pre-sentence report fails to reflect the profound regret he experiences and the understanding he has acquired on the individual he was and the person he aspires to become.
He has completed online courses, including the Lucy Faithfull Foundation course for internet offenders.
The study indicates that he ought to have acted earlier and should not have engaged in his previous actions.
The knock on the door roused him, prompting him to strive for rectification thereafter.
He is cognisant that he will never be able to practise again. He is genuinely remorseful, and that is his position before you.
He has forfeited all. He has experienced the loss of his family. He and his wife are not communicating, resulting in his estrangement from their children. He is currently residing with his parents.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Andrew Crump of CPS West Midlands stated: ‘Christopher Goble is a vicar who, in his authoritative role, should have been protecting children.’
This case unequivocally conveys that the possession of obscene photos of children constitutes a crime, and the CPS will pursue prosecution against offenders.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Coventry stated: ‘Christopher Goble was charged with the charges subsequent to his detention on October 1.’
He was suspended from ministry effective immediately.
We extend a sincere apology to all individuals impacted by these offences, recognising the profound difficulty and distress involved.
The diocese regards charges of criminal behaviour with utmost seriousness and is dedicated to ensuring a safer environment for all; however, complacency is never an option.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.