WAKEFIELD MAN CRAIG HOUGH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DOWNLOADS IN WAKEFIELD
In a serious case that has shocked the Wakefield community, 43-year-old Craig Hough from Wakefield was found guilty of possessing a large collection of indecent images of children.The incident came to light after police executed a search warrant at his residence on Duke of York Street, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, on November 30, 2016.
During the raid, law enforcement officers seized a computer and two external hard drives, which contained a total of 1,311 indecent images depicting children as young as five years old.
The images were categorized based on their severity, with 29 classified as the most serious Category A, 16 as Category B, and the remaining 1,266 as Category C.
The majority of the images involved young girls aged between five and fifteen years old.
Prosecutor Clara Riordan outlined that Hough had used specific search terms such as “baby porn” and “lolita” while browsing, indicating a disturbing interest in child exploitation material.
During a police interview in May, Hough admitted to the charges, acknowledging that he understood the illegality of possessing such images.
He expressed remorse, stating that he felt “totally disgusted” by his actions and was ashamed of what he had done.
Hough, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs of children.
He appeared in court unrepresented and offered a brief apology, saying, “I would just like to apologise for all the trouble I have caused.
I’m truly sorry for what I did.” Judge Richard Woolfall, presiding over the case, acknowledged Hough’s mental health struggles, including depression, and his concerns about public shame.
Despite the gravity of the offense, the judge decided to suspend the custodial sentence, citing the circumstances.
Hough was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete a 30-day activity requirement and perform 150 hours of unpaid work.
His name will also be entered onto the sex offender register for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.
