Child sex pervert Thomas Hansen abused by Catholic priests, court told
by Keith Hunt
A pervert who claimed he suffered sexual abuse as a child at the
hands of Catholic priests and others has avoided a jail sentence
for downloading disgusting images of children.
Thomas Hansen was at home with his wife and children when police
seized his computer, Maidstone Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Iestyn Morgan said more than 1,600 pictures
as well as "live" and deleted movies showing child sex abuse were
found, some at the next to highest level of four.
The 43-year-old car salesman, of Westborough Mews, Maidstone,
admitted possessing indecent photos of children.
Kieran Brand, defending, said the offences were clearly linked
to sexual abuse Hansen suffered as a child - first by a
neighbour and then as a teenager by "priests and other males in the
Catholic Church in Australia".
"It is hard to imagine what more he could have done. He has sought help and seen it through..." – Kieran Brand, defending
"It is perhaps surprising that at the age of 43 he has led a
relatively normal life," said Mr Brand. "He appears not to have
come to terms with his abuse. What is clear is there appears to be
no sexual gratification from the material."
Hansen had made a tremendous effort to address issues that
caused the offences by seeking help.
"It is hard to imagine what more he could have done," added
Mr Brand. "He has sought help and seen it through. He is not paying
lip service to it."
Judge Michael Carroll said the bottom line was if Hansen had to
be sent to prison.
"It is hard to imagine what more he could have done. He has sought help and seen it through..." – Kieran Brand, defending
He decided Hansen could go free, but warned him he had used
up his mitigation and could not resort to it again.
He was sentenced to a three-year community order with
supervision and attendance on a sex offender programme.
"However horrific his childhood experiences were, and I have no
reason to doubt it, that mitigation is used up today," said the
judge. "It cannot be used a second time to avoid the consequences
if there is a breach of these requirements."
Hansen's own abuse, he said, "may or may not be the explanation
for downloading this filth".
"However, by the time you downloaded it you were a mature
adult," said Judge Carroll. "The law takes a very serious view of
this behaviour."
He added he was impressed by the efforts Hansen had made since
his arrest and said he would benefit from the order.
Hansen's name will appear on the sex offenders' register for
five years.
11/03/13
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