ANDREW WARING FROM TUNSTALL CAUGHT WITH OVER 2000 CHILD PORN IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In July 2016, authorities uncovered a disturbing case involving Andrew Waring, a 50-year-old resident of St Aidan's Street in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, who was found to possess an extensive collection of illegal images depicting children. The investigation began after police received credible information suggesting that Waring might be involved in distributing such illicit material.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Waring's home in Tunstall, during which they seized multiple electronic devices, including two mobile phones and a computer. Although there was no evidence to suggest that Waring was actively sharing or distributing the images, the devices contained a staggering number of photographs and videos that raised serious concerns.

Prosecutor Hunter Gray detailed the findings to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, revealing that the investigation of Waring's computer uncovered over 23,000 images. While some of these images depicted children in underwear or swimming costumes and were not classified as indecent, a significant portion was deemed illegal. Among these, authorities identified 729 photographs and 143 videos categorized as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency. Additionally, there were 633 images classified as Category B and 984 as Category C, reflecting varying degrees of severity.

Following his arrest, Waring was taken into custody and interviewed by police. Initially, he claimed ownership of the devices but denied possessing any indecent images. However, he later admitted to making 13 indecent photographs of a child, leading to formal charges.

At the court hearing, it was noted that Waring had no prior convictions since 2001 and had not been involved in similar offenses before. His defense solicitor, Adam Till, expressed remorse on his behalf, explaining that Waring had been battling feelings of isolation and had turned to alcohol, which contributed to his offending behavior. Till emphasized that Waring was committed to addressing his issues and was willing to cooperate with the probation service to prevent future offenses.

In sentencing, Recorder Andrew Easteal imposed a three-year community order with supervision, requiring Waring to participate in a probation program specifically designed for sexual offenders. The judge highlighted that imprisonment would not serve as an effective means of rehabilitation in this case, stating, "If I sent you to prison, nothing is going to happen to educate you any better than you have been so far, and there would therefore be a very high likelihood that you would resort back to this behaviour and continue to perpetuate suffering to these children."

Furthermore, Waring was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his internet usage and contact with individuals under the age of 18. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the possession and distribution of child abuse images, and the serious consequences faced by those found guilty of such offenses.