CHRISTOPHER GRIFFITHS FROM STOKE-ON-TRENT SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE POSSESSION

In a court session held in Stoke-on-Trent, Christopher Griffiths, a 55-year-old resident of Falcon Road, Meir Park, faced the consequences of his actions after being found guilty of possessing multiple indecent images and videos involving children. The court proceedings revealed that Griffiths had downloaded a significant number of illicit materials from August 4, 2015, to December 10, 2015, which included five counts of possession of child abuse images.

Specifically, authorities uncovered a total of 10 videos classified as Category A, which denotes the most severe level of abuse images, along with two videos categorized as Category B, and 11 videos falling under Category C. In addition to these videos, police discovered twelve still images classified as Category B and an additional 62 images categorized as Category C, all of which depict child exploitation and abuse.

The investigation was initiated after police executed a search warrant at Griffiths’ residence on December 9, 2015. During the search, officers seized his laptop, which was later examined and found to contain the illicit material. The defense, represented by Andrew Turnock, explained to the court that the search was conducted following a warrant, and the evidence was obtained lawfully.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Paul Glenn addressed Griffiths directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge remarked, “You’re a 55-year-old man with a good character, you have now lost that character. It’s a concern to me that so many of these images are accessible. These are real children being abused for the entertainment of others. I accept you’re embarrassed and accept you’re ashamed.”

Griffiths was visibly emotional during the proceedings, breaking down in tears as he faced the court. As part of his sentence, he was given a two-year community order, which requires him to undertake certain activities and comply with specific conditions. Additionally, he was fined £535, payable within 28 days. The court also imposed restrictions on Griffiths, banning him from engaging in activities involving children, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the potential risk to the community.