Photographer found with 700 images of child sexual abuse in possession
A photographer who co-founded an event that raised thousands of pounds for children’s charities was discovered in possession of more than 700 images of child sexual abuse. John Rampton, a father-of-two living in Welshpool, had his devices seized by police following suspicions raised by his ex-wife, a sentencing hearing at Salisbury Crown Court revealed.
The 45-year-old Rampton was found guilty of three counts of making indecent images, including category A images, the most serious kind, after a trial in December. The prosecutor, Fern Russell, informed the court that Rampton had kept the images on his devices for over a decade. Despite being known as a photographer with a passion for sports cars and the founder of the Teddy Bear Run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex, which raised significant funds for children’s charities, Rampton’s devices were found to contain disturbing content after his estranged wife reported her concerns to the police.
In May 2022, a warrant was executed at Rampton’s residence, leading to the discovery of the illicit images on various password-protected devices stored under files named “private pics.” During police interviews, Rampton shifted blame to others, as pointed out in court. His defence attorney, Anoushka Twining, highlighted Rampton’s previously unblemished character and the absence of any further offences in the three years following the discovery of the images. Twining expressed confidence that Rampton would not re-offend and presented character references in his favour.
The court was informed of Rampton’s addiction to pornography, which he attributed to his mental health struggles. Twining emphasised Rampton’s acknowledgement of his actions and his commitment to rehabilitation. Despite these factors, Judge Rufus Taylor admonished Rampton for the impact of his deeds, leading to restrictions on his contact with his 12-year-old son and instability in his living arrangements. Rampton was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, coupled with a 40-day rehabilitation programme, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a cost payment plan of £4,380 at a rate of £250 per month.
Overall, the case of John Rampton serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the consequences of engaging in illicit activities. The revelations surrounding a seemingly upstanding member of the community highlight the need for vigilance and accountability in combating such abhorrent crimes. The legal proceedings underscored the seriousness of the offences committed by Rampton and the measures taken to address his actions and prevent further harm.
The sentencing hearing serves as a cautionary tale for individuals who may be harbouring similar exploitative materials, shedding light on the complexities of addressing such heinous crimes within society. The implication of a respected figure like Rampton in such a reprehensible act underscores the pervasive nature of child sexual abuse and underscores the critical role of law enforcement and judicial systems in upholding justice and protecting vulnerable individuals. As the case concludes with Rampton facing consequences for his actions, it prompts reflection on the ongoing efforts needed to combat child exploitation and uphold the safety and well-being of our communities.