A Southend man who sexually abused a child and amassed more than 125,000 indecent images of children has been jailed following a major investigation by Essex Police.
Steven Field was sentenced after officers uncovered one of the largest collections of illegal child abuse material seen in the county, including more than 2,500 Category A images, the most serious classification.
Essex Police’s Online Investigation Team began detailed and sensitive enquiries after receiving information about concerning online activity linked to Field. Officers later executed a warrant at his Southend home, where a number of electronic devices were seized.
Forensic analysis of those devices revealed vast quantities of indecent images and videos of children, alongside internet searches and online accounts connected to the defendant.
Police said Field was found to be in possession of:
- Category A: 2,491 photos and 228 videos
- Category B: 3,087 photos and 158 videos
- Category C: 118,633 photos and 496 videos
Investigators became particularly concerned after identifying images that clearly showed the 52-year-old with a child. Working sensitively with the child and their family, officers established that the child had been sexually assaulted by Field.
Field, of Marks Court, Southend, admitted one count of taking an indecent photo of a child and three counts of making indecent or pseudo-images of a child when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court. He denied a charge of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, but was found guilty following a jury trial in October 2025.
At the same court on Monday 19 January, Field was jailed for seven years, with a further year on licence. As part of his sentence, he must comply with the restrictions of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been placed on the sex offenders register.
Detective Constable Rob Guiney, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the young survivor.
“They have shown such strength and determination throughout this very challenging investigation. They have bravely told their story and realised what happened to them was wrong and against the law.
“Field’s depraved offending has now been stopped, and he is rightly serving a prison sentence.
“Every child in every image is a victim, and we are dedicated to finding those who prey on the most vulnerable people in our society.
“Please do report any concerns you have to us, we are here and will thoroughly investigate all allegations made.”
Public reaction to the investigation and sentencing
The case has prompted strong and emotional reactions from members of the public.
Joshua Chapman said:
“Well done Essex Police. It might take a lot of work but you’re making a difference.”
However, others questioned whether the sentence went far enough.
Sally Olney said:
“Well done to the police for catching him but shame on the judge for the ridiculous sentence.”
Sentencing context
Under UK sentencing guidelines, offences involving the making, taking or possession of indecent images of children can carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, depending on the scale of the material, the category of images, and any direct contact offences.
Judges are required to consider multiple factors, including:
- the volume and severity of images
- whether Category A material is involved
- evidence of contact abuse
- admissions or guilty pleas
- risk of future harm
Sentences may also include licence periods, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, and automatic placement on the sex offenders register, as in this case.