ADRIAN FEREDAY FROM ROTHERHAM AND WORKSOP JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the communities of Rotherham and Worksop, Reverend Adrian Fereday, aged 50, was sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of downloading and possessing indecent images of young girls. The conviction follows a police investigation that was initiated after authorities received credible tips regarding the distribution of child abuse images online.

Fereday, who served as the vicar for the parishes of Letwell, Firbeck, and Woodsetts near Worksop in Nottinghamshire, was arrested last November. During the investigation, he admitted to downloading both images and videos depicting adult males engaged in sexual acts with girls aged between two and nine years old. The revelation of his actions has caused widespread concern, especially given his role within the church and his interactions with children.

The defendant explained that he had been accessing such material for several years, citing depression as a possible factor behind his actions. However, the court was quick to condemn his behavior. Judge Simon Lawler expressed her disbelief at the case, stating, “I would have to say that it is beyond belief that anyone, let alone a man of the cloth who has worked with children, could have contemplated seeking out such material.”

Sheffield Crown Court heard that Fereday, who has two sons aged 12 and 14, had recently gone through a divorce from his wife, Valerie, earlier that week. The court proceedings revealed that he faced 16 counts of making indecent images of a child, along with one count of possessing such images. His actions have not only tarnished his reputation but also raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children in his community.

Judge Lawler emphasized the gravity of his offenses, stating, “Those who seek out and view such material encourage and promote this wicked exploitation of very young children.” As part of his sentence, Fereday was prohibited from working with children and will be subject to a Sex Offenders’ Prevention Order, aimed at preventing any future harm and ensuring community safety.