DANIEL WOODWARD FROM STOKE-ON-TRENT CAUGHT WITH BABY RAPE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stoke-on-Trent, Daniel Woodward, a 27-year-old resident, was found to possess a horrifying collection of child abuse images, including explicit photos of babies being raped. The police executed a search warrant at his home on June 27, 2018, and uncovered a total of 1,188 indecent images of children stored on his computer. These images spanned across all three categories of severity, from Category A, which includes the most serious material, to Categories B and C. The images were downloaded over a period stretching from early 2014 to mid-2018, indicating a prolonged period of illicit activity.

Among the most disturbing content found were images depicting the sexual abuse and rape of very young children, including infants and toddlers. The severity of the material was underscored by prosecutor Nick Tatlow, who emphasized that the images involved actual children, not animations, and represented some of the most serious forms of child sexual abuse. The police investigation was prompted by the discovery of these images, which revealed a sickening pattern of exploitation.

Following the search, Woodward was arrested and taken into custody. During police interviews, he chose not to answer any questions posed to him. His address remains undisclosed due to a court order, but he ultimately pleaded guilty to three charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children.

In mitigation, defense lawyer Debbie Leadbeater argued that Woodward would be unable to use a computer at all in the future, as it was a central part of his life. The court was informed that he would be subject to a rehabilitation activity requirement lasting 14 days, aimed at addressing his offending behavior.

Judge David Fletcher addressed the court, highlighting the gravity of the crimes. He stated, “You pleaded guilty to the offences of downloading these images. They all involve the abuse of children, sometimes very young children. We are not talking about animation. We are talking about appalling sexual behaviour towards very young children somewhere in the world.” The judge emphasized that if there was no demand for such images, the production and distribution of these materials would diminish, and the abuse would likely cease.

He further warned Woodward that any breach of the court’s orders would result in him returning to the crown court and potentially losing his liberty. As part of his sentence, Woodward was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect until further notice. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years and ordered to pay costs amounting to £420. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against child exploitation and the importance of rigorous legal action to protect vulnerable victims.