CHARLES HAYWARD FROM NEVILLE’S CROSS ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY IN DURHAM

In a case that has shocked the local community of Neville’s Cross, Durham, Professor Charles Thomas Robert Hayward, a respected academic in the field of theology, narrowly avoided a prison sentence after being found in possession of indecent images of minors. The incident came to light during a police raid conducted at his residence in Neville’s Cross in January of the previous year, 2016.

During the raid, law enforcement officials uncovered a disturbing collection of digital material stored across three computers and eleven memory sticks. The police investigation revealed that the devices contained a total of 165 indecent images depicting male children. Among these, three images were classified in the most serious category, indicating a high level of severity. Additionally, the officers found 45 video clips, which together amounted to over eight hours and twenty-five minutes of footage, all downloaded and stored by Hayward after October 2010.

The images and videos depicted boys estimated to be between the ages of 12 and 17, raising serious concerns about the nature of the material and the potential harm to the minors involved. Prosecutor Chris Baker outlined the details to Durham Crown Court, emphasizing the gravity of the case. He stated that Hayward was the sole user of the computers, and although he expressed surprise that the devices might contain such material, he admitted to possessing indecent photographs of children. However, he denied having created or produced the images himself.

Hayward, aged 68 and described as a bachelor, faced charges that could have resulted in a custodial sentence. Nevertheless, the court was persuaded that his previously good character warranted a more lenient approach. Recorder Ian Atherton acknowledged that a short custodial sentence might not serve the best interests of justice in this case. Instead, he imposed a two-year community supervision order, which includes strict conditions aimed at monitoring and rehabilitating the offender.

Furthermore, Hayward was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, and he was required to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all the seized computer equipment to prevent further misuse. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, even when the offender’s background appears to be unblemished prior to such allegations.