Robert Balls: Sheffield paedophile with hundreds of indecent images was tracked down to his workplace

Sheffield Crown Court heard on April 14 how Robert Balls, aged 33, of Gleadless Road, Sheffield, was arrested after police had gathered intelligence linked to an email address and a social media platform which led them to the defendant’s work address.

Aaron Dinnes, prosecuting, said Balls was arrested at work and then his home was searched and indecent images were discovered.

Judge Michael Slater told Balls: “The misery that is inflicted on the subjects of this photography is incalculable. They only exist because people like you seek to look at them and seek to get sexual gratification from them.”

Mr Dinnes said police searched Balls’ home and examined his phone and a tablet and the phone revealed relevant search terms and evidence of over 600 indecent images.

He added that Balls had told police he wanted help with the thoughts he was having about children and he admitted to being sexually aroused by children.

Balls, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent still and moving images of children relating to 259 category A images, 145 category B images, and 227 category C images – with category A being the most serious.

Defence barrister Francis Edusei said Balls had been candid from the day he was arrested to the point of interview and he had attended crown court several times before his sentencing hearing.

Mr Edusei added that Balls works for a food preparatory business preparing sandwiches for the next day’s sale.

Judge Slater told Balls: “These offences are so serious in my view that they can only be dealt with by a term of imprisonment but having said that I have to decide whether that term of imprisonment can be suspended or not.

“It has been a close run thing but in all the circumstances I think it can be.”

Judge Slater sentenced Balls to 10 months of custody suspended for two years with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He ordered him to pay £340 legal costs. Balls was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.