DAVID WARDLE FROM STONE SENTENCED AFTER DOWNLOADS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN STAFFORDSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Stone, Staffordshire, 63-year-old David Wardle has been found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children, as well as extreme pornography. The incident came to light after police officers executed a search warrant at his residence on Jervis Street in Stone on June 14, 2013, at approximately 8 a.m.

During the raid, law enforcement officials seized Wardle's computer tower and an external hard drive, which were later found to contain a disturbing collection of digital material. Investigators uncovered hundreds of indecent images depicting children as young as five, alongside videos of extreme pornography. Among the material were also two animated cartoons that portrayed sexual acts involving adults and children, further highlighting the disturbing nature of the content.

Wardle, who was arrested at the scene, admitted that he had downloaded these illicit images over the course of a year following the loss of his employment. He confessed to police that he found pleasure in viewing such material and expressed an interest in children aged between five and twelve. Despite acknowledging that he was responsible for downloading the images, Wardle insisted that he had not shared them with others, emphasizing that his actions were solitary.

He faced multiple charges, including six counts of making indecent photographs of children, two counts of possessing extreme pornographic images, and possession of prohibited images of children. Throughout the proceedings, Wardle maintained his innocence but ultimately pleaded guilty to all charges.

Prosecutor Fiona Cortese presented the case at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, detailing the police search and subsequent seizure of evidence. The court was informed that Wardle had no prior criminal convictions. His defense lawyer, Nayan Patel, argued that Wardle had made full and frank admissions before the police examined his computer, which was a mitigating factor in the case.

Judge David Fletcher, presiding over the case, acknowledged that if Wardle had gone to trial and been convicted, he would have faced a custodial sentence. However, recognizing his honesty and remorse, the judge opted for a more lenient sentence. Wardle was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes supervision and a requirement to complete a sex offender rehabilitation program. Additionally, he was placed under a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and will be registered as a sex offender for five years.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Fletcher condemned Wardle's actions, stating, “These were disgusting images you were looking at. These are children you did not know. You do not even know where they are but they are children, they are real people and they are being criminally exploited.” The judge emphasized that the illegal nature of such images depends on their download and distribution, asserting that if individuals like Wardle did not download these images, they would hold no value and such exploitation would diminish.

He further added, “You went down a road which you became embroiled in and it resulted in the police knocking on your door. You admitted your criminality before anyone had the opportunity to look at your computer. I believe there is a real prospect of you being rehabilitated.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and the importance of accountability in such serious offenses.