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Graham Ovenden: Investigation into 'identifying of abuse victims' Graham Ovenden: 'Unduly lenient' sentence to be reviewed
(35 minutes later)
A Cornwall artist, who walked free from court after being convicted of child sex offences, is being investigated for allegedly identifying victims, the BBC has learnt. A Cornwall artist, who walked free from court after being convicted of child sex offences, is to have his sentence reviewed after the Attorney General decided it was unduly lenient.
Graham Ovenden, 70, was given a suspended sentence for seven offences earlier this year.Graham Ovenden, 70, was given a suspended sentence for seven offences earlier this year.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating whether he identified victims after they gave evidence. The case has now been referred to the Court of Appeal.
The law protects victims of sexual offences with lifetime anonymity. Meanwhile, Ovenden is being investigated for allegedly identifying victims, the BBC has learnt.
'Severely tarnished reputation''Severely tarnished reputation'
Ovenden, of Bodmin Moor, was convicted at Truro Crown Court in April of six counts of indecency with a child and one of indecent assault.Ovenden, of Bodmin Moor, was convicted at Truro Crown Court in April of six counts of indecency with a child and one of indecent assault.
The offences dated back to the 1970s and 80s.The offences dated back to the 1970s and 80s.
Passing sentence at Plymouth Crown Court in June, Judge Graham Cottle, described Ovenden's crimes as "truly disgusting".Passing sentence at Plymouth Crown Court in June, Judge Graham Cottle, described Ovenden's crimes as "truly disgusting".
But, after a long period of consideration, he gave Ovenden a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.But, after a long period of consideration, he gave Ovenden a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.
The judge told the court the sentencing was a difficult exercise.The judge told the court the sentencing was a difficult exercise.
He said he had to take into account the gravity and impact of Ovenden's crimes; but also his age, health and self-inflicted punishment, such as his now "severely tarnished" reputation.He said he had to take into account the gravity and impact of Ovenden's crimes; but also his age, health and self-inflicted punishment, such as his now "severely tarnished" reputation.
Artworks removed
The suspended sentence caused anger and was strongly criticised by child protection groups.The suspended sentence caused anger and was strongly criticised by child protection groups.
The Attorney General has been reviewing whether the sentence was too lenient. The office of the Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, said Mr Grieve had referred the case after "having carefully reviewed this case".
A spokesman for his office said a decision would be announced on Tuesday. It said: "The case will, in due course, be heard by three Court of Appeal judges who will decide whether or not the sentence is unduly lenient and whether they should increase the sentence."
If the sentence is deemed too lenient, the case will be sent to the Court of Appeal, where a panel of three judges will decide whether it should be increased. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police are investigating whether Ovenden identified abuse victims after they gave evidence, the BBC understands.
Sexual offence victims get automatic lifetime anonymity unless they waive it themselves. The law protects victims of sexual offences with lifetime anonymity unless they waive it themselves.
Ovenden has had work exhibited in galleries across the world.Ovenden has had work exhibited in galleries across the world.
Thirty-four prints by the artist were removed from the Tate Gallery's online collection following his conviction.Thirty-four prints by the artist were removed from the Tate Gallery's online collection following his conviction.