CRAIG SHELTON FROM TAMWORTH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL IMAGE OFFENSES
| Red Rose Database
Tamworth Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tamworth, police uncovered a disturbing collection of illegal images and videos on the electronic devices belonging to local resident Craig Shelton. The investigation was initiated after a search warrant was executed at Shelton’s residence in Tamworth last year, revealing a horrifying cache of over 3,500 images and 15 videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children.
Prosecutor Mr. Nick Burn detailed the severity of the material found, emphasizing that 72 of the images were classified as the most serious category, level five. These images depicted children aged between three and eight years old being subjected to what he described as “appallingly abused” and “sexually tortured” acts. The graphic nature of the content was underscored by Mr. Burn, who described the images as “very troubling” and “graphic,” highlighting the profound impact such material has on viewers and the community.
Craig Shelton, aged 38 and residing on Byron Road in the Leyfields area of Tamworth, faced multiple charges in connection with these heinous materials. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a total of 3,537 images, including 15 movies. The court heard that Shelton’s actions involved the deliberate collection and storage of these illicit materials, which are a grave violation of child safety and welfare.
In sentencing, Judge John Wait imposed a three-year community order on Shelton, requiring him to undergo sex offender treatment and be subject to supervision. The judge made it clear that downloading such images equates to participating in the sexual torture of children, and that individuals like Shelton contribute to a cycle of exploitation that fuels a lucrative and illegal trade. Judge Wait emphasized that a prison sentence, while potentially serving its purpose in a short period, would not address the ongoing risk posed by Shelton, hence the decision to impose a community order lasting three years.
Additionally, the court issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, granting police authority to monitor Shelton’s internet activity closely. This measure aims to prevent further offenses and ensure ongoing supervision of his online behavior.
Defense lawyer Mr. Mark Moore stated that Shelton had obtained the images from commercial websites, asserting that his client’s actions were influenced by his “medical background and social isolation.” Despite this context, the court’s focus remained on the serious nature of the offenses and the need to protect children from further harm.
Prosecutor Mr. Nick Burn detailed the severity of the material found, emphasizing that 72 of the images were classified as the most serious category, level five. These images depicted children aged between three and eight years old being subjected to what he described as “appallingly abused” and “sexually tortured” acts. The graphic nature of the content was underscored by Mr. Burn, who described the images as “very troubling” and “graphic,” highlighting the profound impact such material has on viewers and the community.
Craig Shelton, aged 38 and residing on Byron Road in the Leyfields area of Tamworth, faced multiple charges in connection with these heinous materials. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a total of 3,537 images, including 15 movies. The court heard that Shelton’s actions involved the deliberate collection and storage of these illicit materials, which are a grave violation of child safety and welfare.
In sentencing, Judge John Wait imposed a three-year community order on Shelton, requiring him to undergo sex offender treatment and be subject to supervision. The judge made it clear that downloading such images equates to participating in the sexual torture of children, and that individuals like Shelton contribute to a cycle of exploitation that fuels a lucrative and illegal trade. Judge Wait emphasized that a prison sentence, while potentially serving its purpose in a short period, would not address the ongoing risk posed by Shelton, hence the decision to impose a community order lasting three years.
Additionally, the court issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, granting police authority to monitor Shelton’s internet activity closely. This measure aims to prevent further offenses and ensure ongoing supervision of his online behavior.
Defense lawyer Mr. Mark Moore stated that Shelton had obtained the images from commercial websites, asserting that his client’s actions were influenced by his “medical background and social isolation.” Despite this context, the court’s focus remained on the serious nature of the offenses and the need to protect children from further harm.