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A MAN who tried to cover up his perverted sexual interest in children by claiming he was doing some kind of “neighbourhood watch” has avoided jail.
Christopher Klavins’ activities came to light after he was suspected of downloading indecent images of children from the internet and police went to his home in June 2024.
Judge Christopher Smith said the officers seized computer equipment and storage devices which contained indecent images and videos of children being sexual abused in Categories A, B and C.
“That of itself is troubling behaviour because searching for and viewing those images on the internet works to continue to support and encourage child abuse,” the judge told Klavins.
“Your perverted interest in children, however, took a worrying turn.”
Man spied on young children
The judge said the 45-year-old had bought himself a video camera so he could deliberately spy on others, specifically young children, by “zooming in on bedroom windows and bathroom windows” in the hope of catching them in a state of undress.
Bradford Crown Court heard that Klavins had succeeded because police found some footage on one of the storage devices of a young child in a state of undress.
“You gave evidence this was all part of some effectively neighbourhood watch scheme you had developed,” said Judge Smith.
“I listened with care to your evidence, but it was utter nonsense.
“You recorded that footage because of your perverted interest in children.”
'I want you to be under no illusion'
The court heard that even after being arrested and placed under investigation Klavins had obtained a new computer and downloaded further indecent images.
Klavins, of Brighouse, admitted offences including taking an indecent image of a child as well as possessing indecent images.
Judge Smith said the appropriate sentence for his offending was 28 months in prison, but the early release provisions would mean he only served about eight months before being released without supervision.
“I’m persuaded therefore that the best course in your case is to give you a chance by suspending the sentence, but I want you to be under no illusion.
"If you breach the terms or commit further offences you’ll find yourself having to go to prison to serve all or part of that 28 months,” said the judge.
The judge suspended the jail sentence for two years and ordered Klavins to comply with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
The defendant will also have to register as a sex offender with the police and abide by the tens of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next 10 years.
'I've taken a chance'
“The very reason I’m suspending the sentence in your case is to allow for rehabilitation.
"I believe the public are best protected if you get help to address your problems,” the judge added.
“You must attend all the appointments you’re asked to otherwise you’ll find yourself back in front of me.
"I’ve taken a chance because I believe it’s in the best interests of society as a whole.”