HAMED FARIS FROM HANLEY CONVICTED OVER EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY INVOLVING ANIMALS

Hamed Faris, a 45-year-old charity worker residing on Matthews Walk in Hanley, has been found guilty of possessing highly disturbing and illegal material involving extreme pornography. The case was heard at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre, where it was revealed that Faris possessed videos depicting sexual acts with animals, including fish, chickens, dogs, and monkeys. These videos were not mere images but actual video footage showing penetrative sexual activities with these animals, which is considered an aggravating factor in such cases.

According to the prosecution, Thomas Wickstead, the videos were sent via social media by a friend, raising concerns about the nature of the material and the potential for further distribution. The court was informed that Faris had been in possession of these videos between December 1, 2017, and November 30, 2018. Importantly, it was clarified that Faris did not seek these videos for sexual gratification, nor did he distribute them to others. His involvement was limited to possession, and he expressed remorse for the situation.

During the hearing, Faris’s legal representative, Zahir Iqbal, explained that the defendant had initially viewed the videos and found them inappropriate. He had deleted one of the videos, but there was speculation that more might have been received in the same manner. Faris admitted that his judgment was impaired at the time and that he failed to delete all the videos, believing he had done so. He emphasized that he does not derive any sexual pleasure from animals, describing such acts as disgusting and out of character for him. Faris also stated that the incident was a mistake and not reflective of his usual behavior.

In mitigation, Iqbal highlighted that Faris volunteers for a charity in his free time, demonstrating his generally positive character. The magistrates responded by imposing an 18-month community order, which includes a requirement to participate in a 15-day rehabilitation activity and complete 80 hours of unpaid work. Faris is currently in a stable relationship with his girlfriend and has no prior criminal record related to such offenses. Additionally, the court issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order against him, which will remain in effect for five years. However, he was not placed on the sex offenders register. The court also ordered Faris to pay costs amounting to £85 and a surcharge of £114.