Family support for Finchley man who downloaded 676 indecent images of children (From Times Series)

Family support for Finchley man who downloaded 676 indecent images of children

10:47am Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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THE family of a convicted internet paedophile have said they will stand by him after he was handed a suspended sentence yesterday.

The mother, father and wife of Amir Gilboa were at Wood Green Crown Court for the sentencing of the 36-year-old, who had pleaded guilty to downloading 676 pornographic images and videos of children as young as seven.

Addressing the court, defence barrister Jonathan Goldberg QC spoke of the shame that the crime had brought on the whole family, but explained they were prepared to support Gilboa through rehabilitation programmes.

He said depression sparked by financial difficulties had fuelled the “curiosity” in child pornography, but said Gilboa's pride had kept him from approaching the family for help.

In court, Gilboa's wife of ten years took to the witness stand to show her support for her husband.

Looking clearly petrified and emotional, said told the court the couple hoped one day to have children of their own and claimed they had a good relationship and sex life together.

“There is no problem in the marriage and I will stand by him,” she said, fighting back tears as she pleaded for him not to be sent to jail.

“We are both struggling financially which has made him very stressed and depressed.

“He has made a mistake but he is an amazing husband and ashamed of what has happened.

“I am the only one who is working and it is a hard time. It is just one mistake he has done and he has paid for it.”

Sentencing Gilboa to three months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and sexual offences orders, His Honour Judge Francis Sheridan praised the support of the family and the hard work of his defence for helping put forward a case that meant he avoided an immediate jail term.

He said the family had been “humiliated” by his actions and added: “Your wife will stand by you, let me assure you, many wouldn't.”

Outside court, his family said they were “grateful” he would not have to go to prison.

The said: “He has more than had to pay for what he has done because of all the coverage it has brought.

“We think it is a fair and just sentence.

“It has been very tough on all of us. We know he has made a big mistake, he has paid the price and we can see how he has suffered.”