A disgraced Ventnor pensioner has been sentenced after being found in possession of hundreds of vile child sex abuse images and other extreme and grossly offensive photos including one of bestiality. 

Kenneth Oliver, of Leeson Road, was charged with five offences of a sexual nature.

Oliver, 73, who was initially from Swindon, had been employed by Wiltshire Council as a canals and project officer since 2009 and previously held several roles with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, including trust chair. 

He is believed to have moved to the Isle of Wight when he was charged with the string of serious offences.

Ken Oliver celebrating the summer opening of Leeson RoadKen Oliver celebrating the summer opening of Leeson Road (Image: Newsquest) He then became an integral part of the Keep Ventnor Moving group, when the road he moved to, Leeson Road, suffered a landslide. He has since been ejected from the group after the court case was revealed by the County Press.

He was charged with:

  • Making indecent photographs or pseudo-photograph of a child, namely 912 Category C images of children.
  • Possession of an extreme pornographic image portraying an act of intercourse or oral sex with an animal, namely a horse, which was grossly offensive.
  • Possession of an extreme pornographic image portraying act likely to result in serious injury to person's private parts.
  • Making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, namely 266 Category A images of children.
  • Making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, namely, 299 Category B images of children.

He appeared in court on Friday, November 22, and was handed a 14-month custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years.

He must attend 30 rehabilitation days and will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for ten years.  

Lucy Townsend, chief executive of Wiltshire Council, said: “Kenneth Oliver was most recently employed as a canals and project officer for Wiltshire Council.

"While these incidents are not connected to his role at Wiltshire Council or his employment, we are providing ongoing support to any employees who may be affected by this situation.

“Due to employee confidentiality, the council cannot provide any further information.”

A Wilts & Berks Canal Trust spokesperson said: “This is most distressing news that the Trust takes extremely seriously."

The spokesperson confirmed Oliver currently holds no position within the trust.