British surf communities are in shock today as news breaks of four times British Open champion, multiple English champion and commentator Lee Bartlett being convicted of being caught with more than 600 indecent images of children.
Bartlett of Newquay pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children and having 183 Category A images, 244 Category B images and 177 Category C images.
The charges relate to a time period from 2018 to June 2020.
At the hearing in Truro Crown Court, Bartlett was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
He must also complete a 40-day rehabilitation, 100 hours of unpaid work and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.
A sexual harm prevention order was also put in place.
The NSPCC in the South West said:
“By downloading and amassing a collection of indecent images, Bartlett has played a part in fuelling a horrific industry.
“The children in content like this are the victims of child sexual abuse, which can ruin the lives of the youngest members of our society.
“More needs to be done by technology companies and social network sites to prevent the publication and distribution of materials like this.”
Adults with a concern about the welfare of a child can contact the NSPCC’s helpline for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or [email protected]
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 24/7, 365 days a year
