GRAHAM PIDGLEY FROM HENSTRIDGE FACES JAIL AFTER VIEWING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN BRUTON

In October 2017, a man from Henstridge named Graham Richard Pidgley, aged 51, was brought before Taunton Crown Court to face serious charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The proceedings took place on October 9, with Judge David Ticehurst presiding over the case.

Pidgley was charged with three separate offences, all of which were alleged to have been committed in the town of Bruton over a span of nearly a decade. The court heard that between May 9, 2007, and August 5, 2016, Pidgley had engaged in the creation and possession of numerous indecent images and videos depicting children. Specifically, he admitted to having made 191 images and movies classified as Category A, which is considered the most serious level of child exploitation material.

In addition to these, Pidgley also confessed to producing 111 indecent images and videos of children categorized as Category B, along with a further 306 images and videos classified as Category C. These offences highlight a disturbing pattern of offending spanning several years, with the images and videos reflecting varying degrees of severity in terms of exploitation.

During the brief court hearing, Pidgley confirmed his identity and entered guilty pleas to the charges. He spoke only to affirm his name and his admissions, remaining largely silent throughout the proceedings. The case was then adjourned to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, which will help determine the appropriate punishment.

Judge Ticehurst issued a stern warning to Pidgley, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the potential consequences. He stated, “In adjourning the case for this report, you should not be under any illusions. All options will remain open for the judge who sentences you – including an immediate prison sentence.”

Furthermore, Pidgley was ordered to register as a sex offender and will return to court on December 5 for sentencing. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary to address and penalize the possession and distribution of child abuse images, especially when such offences span multiple years and involve numerous victims.