Judge praises ‘talented, intelligent’ paedophile

A paedophile was praised by a judge for his “talents and intelligence” before being jailed for his stash of child pornography.

Sentencing 63-year-old Peter Maggs to eight months in prison for downloading thousands of “shocking” images and videos, Judge Peter Ader said: “I hope you put this case behind you and keep your head down in custody. You have talents and intelligence that will enable you to get back on your feet.”

Wood Green Crown Court heard Maggs, of Stoke Newington, London, downloaded 3,104 images and 37 videos and watched them as “a hobby”.