ANDREW SMITH CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN BLYTHE BRIDGE AND STOKE

In September 2015, a man from Stoke-on-Trent faced serious allegations after authorities uncovered a significant collection of indecent images of children stored on his personal computers. Andrew Smith, aged 36, was found to have more than 450 such images, which included both still photographs and moving pictures, on various devices. Despite the gravity of these findings, Smith narrowly avoided imprisonment during his court proceedings.

The investigation was initiated when Smith’s ex-partner’s new partner was sorting through old computer equipment that had been kept in storage. This individual discovered a Packard Bell computer and began examining its contents. During this review, the person found a folder labeled 'three sisters,' which contained an image of a young girl, approximately 13 years old, dressed in a revealing manner. Further inspection revealed that the discs contained images of very young children, raising immediate concern and prompting police involvement.

Following this discovery, law enforcement officers were called to investigate. Smith was arrested on November 11, 2013, at his residence. The police search uncovered a total of 469 images, including both still photographs and videos, spread across different computers and storage discs. Additionally, a review of Smith’s mobile phone revealed that he had been actively searching the internet for indecent images of children, indicating a pattern of interest and intent.

During the court proceedings, Smith initially denied any wrongdoing. However, on the day he was scheduled to stand trial, he changed his plea and admitted to four charges of making indecent photographs of children. The court heard that his actions were linked to a history of alcohol abuse and depression, which his defense argued contributed to his offending behavior. Nicholas Tatlow, representing Smith, emphasized that the defendant was eager to change his lifestyle and break free from this pattern of behavior.

Judge David Fletcher delivered the sentence, opting for a community-based order rather than immediate imprisonment. Smith was sentenced to a three-year community order with supervision and was mandated to complete a sex offender treatment program. Furthermore, the judge imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts Smith’s access to certain online content and activities. Any breach of this order could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

Judge Fletcher also commented that most of the images found were at the lower end of the scale and that they were stored on old equipment that had not been used for some time. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and the importance of vigilance in uncovering such offenses.