ANDREW WOOD FROM BRIGHOUSE SENTENCED FOR INDECENT IMAGES OF TEENAGERS IN LEEDS CROWN COURT

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Andrew Wood, a 48-year-old man from Brighouse, has been sentenced to a three-year community order after admitting to possessing indecent images of teenage boys. Wood, who is known to have previously worked as a crown court clerk at Leeds Crown Court and was employed by the Ministry of Justice, was arrested in October 2014 by West Yorkshire police officers. The arrest was the result of an international investigation targeting the illegal trade of DVDs and videos depicting minors.

During the proceedings at Bradford Crown Court, prosecutor Jayne Beckett outlined the details of the case. She explained that police linked Wood to the purchase of a DVD, which prompted a search of his residence. The search yielded a substantial collection of computer equipment, including an external hard drive. Analysis of this device uncovered nearly 200 indecent images of boys aged between 13 and 16. The images were described as highly inappropriate and illegal, highlighting the severity of the offense.

In police interviews, Wood claimed that he did not derive sexual gratification from his actions and stated that his behavior was part of an attempt to understand his own identity. He was quoted as saying he was “trying to find out who he was.” During a subsequent interview, conducted approximately a year later, Wood admitted that he was the only person capable of downloading ten sample images that were shown to him by investigators. These admissions led to his guilty plea on multiple charges.

At a previous court hearing, Wood pleaded guilty to ten charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children, as well as an additional allegation of possessing such images. The court was informed that, at the time of sentencing, Wood was employed by a supermarket, and references attesting to his character and community involvement were presented on his behalf. His legal representative, Barrister Robin Frieze, emphasized that Wood had contributed positively to society and had a history of community service.

However, the presiding judge, Judge Colin Burn, did not overlook the gravity of the offense. Addressing Wood directly, the judge acknowledged his previous good character but emphasized that his actions had caused significant harm. Judge Burn remarked, “You know as well as I do, because you are an intelligent man, that what you did was firstly illegal and secondly perpetuating a market in abuse.” The judge highlighted the contradiction between Wood’s prior community contributions and his involvement in illegal activities that facilitated the distribution of harmful material across the globe.

Judge Burn further explained that although Wood had no previous convictions and had been a valuable member of society, his actions had resulted in considerable damage to children worldwide. The court noted that Wood’s behavior was almost impulsive, and this had led to the destruction of his previously unblemished character. As part of his sentence, Wood is required to participate in a sex offender treatment program, complete 120 hours of unpaid community service, and pay costs amounting to £750. Additionally, he will be mandated to register as a sex offender with the police for the next five years and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.