GORDON BYWATER'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN REDCAR: JUDGE FREES OFFENDER TO SEEK TREATMENT

In a highly controversial decision, a judge in Teesside Crown Court has expressed serious concerns about the potential risks posed by Gordon Bywater, a known child sex offender from Redcar, yet chose to release him from custody to pursue specialized treatment in the community.

Bywater, aged 44, was caught in the act after being chased and apprehended by angry onlookers and parents of children in the seaside town of Redcar. The incident involved him taking photographs of young girls, which raised alarm among local residents and prompted immediate police action.

Following his arrest in May, authorities conducted a thorough search of his residence in Ventnor Court, Redcar. The police discovered a disturbing collection of over 400 indecent images stored on his computer and in a scrapbook. The material included graphic cartoons depicting violent rape and images of bestiality, which were detailed during the court proceedings.

The photographs taken by Bywater, who was unemployed at the time, depicted girls as young as ten, all of whom were clothed, in various locations around Redcar. The images caused widespread concern among the community and highlighted the severity of his offending.

During the court hearing, Robert Mochrie, representing the defense, explained that Bywater had endured bullying as a child due to his weight and body odor, which contributed to his social isolation. Mochrie emphasized that Bywater had never engaged in any physical sexual activity with an adult and had no prior criminal record.

He further suggested that Bywater’s obsession with pornography might have spiraled out of control, given his lack of social and sexual experiences. The defense acknowledged the gravity of the charges but argued that the offender’s circumstances warranted a different approach.

Bywater pleaded guilty to eight counts of making indecent images and four counts of possessing such material. The court sentenced him to 52 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, with mandatory supervision and participation in a sex offenders’ treatment program. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was prohibited from working with children.

Judge Howard Crowson expressed his reservations about the case, stating, “I have my disquiet about this but I have my duty to protect the public and in my judgement that’s the best way in your case.” He acknowledged the troubling nature of the offenses but explained that the decision to suspend the sentence was made to facilitate treatment and reduce long-term risks.

“I see many cases where men become so engrossed in pornography that their computers are filled with it, and some begin to develop a fascination with underage girls. It is rare that such behavior extends outside the home,” the judge remarked. “Perhaps you have been caught early, but I cannot ignore the potential danger. Keeping you in prison for only a few weeks does not provide lasting reassurance for the community.”

Ultimately, the court’s decision aimed to balance the need for public safety with the opportunity for rehabilitation, though it left many in Redcar concerned about the potential for future harm.