BRYAN FLACK AND SHAMEFUL CRIME IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
A 71-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent, who is confined to a wheelchair, faced the courts after being found in possession of highly disturbing and extreme pornographic images.Bryan Flack, a resident of Scotia Road in the Burslem area, was already registered as a sex offender before his latest arrest and court appearance.
The charges against Flack stemmed from the discovery of graphic images depicting sexual acts involving animals, specifically a horse and a dog.
These images were found during a routine check carried out by a sex offenders' probation officer, who visited Flack's home in March 2022.
During the search, the officer took note of videos showing animals and humans engaging in sexual acts, which Flack admitted to possessing.
In total, 18 such images were recovered.
Given Flack’s history, including previous imprisonment for sexual assault committed against a woman while working as a masseuse, the authorities considered his case particularly serious.
His status as a registered sex offender requires him to be on the register until 2027, which underscores the ongoing concern regarding his conduct.
During the court proceedings held at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Flack was brought in by his wife, who had to wheel him into the courtroom due to his physical condition.
The magistrates highlighted the shame that Flack's actions had brought upon his wife, emphasizing the moral and social implications of his behavior.
The court decided that, considering Flack’s age and medical problems—including lung cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and both kidney and heart failure—the appropriate punishment would be a fine rather than imprisonment.
Magistrates imposed a total financial penalty of £465.
They made it clear that, beyond the financial punishment, the most significant consequence was the shame he had inflicted upon his wife.
Prosecutor Zaine Riaz provided details about the case, stating: “The defendant is a registered sex offender and is on the register until 2027.
He was visited by a manager of the sex offenders' probation service for a routine check.
During the visit, Flack appeared nervous and provided his mobile phone, which was subsequently examined.” He continued: “The officer observed videos of animals and humans engaging in sexual acts, leading to Flack's arrest.
Eighteen images were discovered, and he admitted to possessing the content.
He expressed uncertainty about why he accessed such material.” In mitigation, defense attorney Andrew Turnock argued: “A substantial amount of time has passed since the offending, and Flack’s health has since deteriorated significantly.
He is heavily dependent on his wife for his daily care and is in a terrible physical state.
Since the time of the incidents, he has had no access to devices and is physically incapable of operating them.
The likelihood of him reoffending or causing harm is minimal.” The magistrates’ sentencing reflects a recognition of his health issues and past offences, with the focus primarily on the moral and social repercussions of his actions, as well as the administrative penalties imposed.
