How many indecent images cases are dropped?
If you (or someone close to you) is facing charges for an indecent image offence, you will be understandably anxious to see how likely it is that they will be convicted.
In this article, our expert indecent image solicitors look at how many indecent images cases are dropped.
How many indecent images cases get dropped?
In 2023/24 (the latest available complete stats), the police recorded 39,640 child sexual abuse image offences in England and Wales. Of these:
- 13% were charged or summonsed.
- 28% were dropped before charges.
- The outcome of the remaining 59% of cases were resolution via out-of-court measures, diversion programmes, evidential difficulties, or incomplete investigations.
- 87% of cases did not result in a conviction.
Many sources you’ll find online still cite outdated 2020 figures suggesting that 13% of cases were dropped pre-charge. The more recent data shows it is closer to 28% of cases dropped pre-charge, and 87% do not lead to conviction.
The figure changes year to year but these figures are more accurate.
[Image source: Centre of Expertise on Child Abuse, Child Sexual Abuse in 2023/24: Trends in official data, Accessed 26/8/25)
Why would an indecent image case get dropped?
Indecent image cases can be dropped at different points in an investigation and for various reasons.
Some of the most common reasons they are dropped include:
- Lack of evidence.
- Technical errors that damage the integrity of the evidence.
- Violations of the defendant’s rights (unlawful searches/seizure).
- New evidence that causes the CPS to reconsider the original evidence.
- Not in public interest to prosecute.
How can you defend against indecent image charges?
There are several lines of defence you can pursue when fighting indecent image accusations. Your defence may argue that you are innocent or that you should be facing lesser charges.
If you hire a private solicitor (not legal aid), you can engage in pre-charge representations. This is when you present your defence to the investigators before charges are made, in order to convince them to drop the case with no further action.
Some of the strongest defences include:
- The image has been incorrectly categorised - it is not indecent or not in as serious a category.
- You were unaware that the image subject was under the age of 18.
- You were unaware that you possessed/made the indecent images.
- The images were unsolicited (e.g. automatic downloads, pop-ups while browsing, sent unsolicited).
- You had a legitimate reason to possess the image (e.g. journalism work, medical studies).
- Your rights have been violated by the prosecutors so the case must be dismissed.
- The evidence has been incorrectly handled so its integrity has been compromised.
Some mitigating factors include:
- You didn’t understand the severity of your actions due to your young age, mental health issues, and/or learning disability.
- You have demonstrated remorse for your actions and have sought rehabilitation to prevent reoffending.
- You acted under pressure or duress and you wouldn’t have committed the offence otherwise.
- You were abused as a child and it is learned behaviour which you are seeking help for.
- You have no prior offences and would be unlikely to reoffend.
- You have good character references.
What to do if you have been accused of an indecent image offence?
If you have been accused, or are worried you soon will be, of an indecent image offence, you must seek legal support immediately. The earlier you act, the better the outcome.
Do not speak to police without a solicitor present. Always seek legal counsel first.
At Holborn Adams, we are experts in sexual offence defence, with great success defending indecent image cases. Our goal is always to have cases dropped pre-charge where possible, saving you a great deal of emotional turmoil.
Please get in touch with our leading indecent image solicitors today. Led by UK expert sexual offence defence solicitor, Andrew Ford, our team’s track record is second to none.
Indecent image case studies
We have several examples of indecent image cases where we have secured an outcome of no further action and non-custodial sentences, meaning our clients never faced prison time.
Case study 1:
One client was charged with 3 counts of possession of indecent images. Our client pleaded guilty and we put forward mitigating factors as part of his defence. This resulted in a community order - no custodial sentence.
Case study 2:
One client was charged with possession of indecent images. We represented him at the Magistrates’ Court and were able to have the charges withdrawn (post-charge representations). The case concluded with no further action.
Case study 3:
One client was under investigation for possession of indecent images. We made pre-charge representations to the CPS and they decided to take no further action against the client. The case was dismissed with no charges and no further action.
