TAMWORTH MAN JOHN HAYCOCK ORDERED TO GET TREATMENT OVER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In July 2012, an elderly man from Tamworth named John Haycock was ordered to undergo treatment after downloading indecent images of children. The case was heard at Stafford Crown Court last Thursday, July 19.

Police raided Haycock’s home in April of the previous year after tracing his computer activity related to accessing illegal content. A forensic analysis of his computer’s hard drive revealed more than 20 movie clips and two still images involving children that were deemed indecent.

Prosecutor Mr. Paul Farrow stated that the images were stored in a temporary folder on the device. The defendant’s internet search history also contained terms such as 'teen pictures' and 'Lolita.' When questioned about his internet activity, Haycock admitted to 'flicking through' websites after taking painkillers or drinking alcohol. However, he told officers, 'I look at porn, but I’m not responsible for what other images are put up.'

Haycock, of Grayling, Dosthill, pleaded guilty to 18 charges related to making or possessing indecent images of children. As part of his sentence, he was given a three-year supervision order and was mandated to complete a sex offender treatment program. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders' register for five years and ordered to pay costs of £1,200.

Delivering the sentence, Judge Simon Tonking emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, 'One thing that has to be clear to you is: behind these images are real children who have been abused and it is people like you who view it, fueling that activity. You do need to address this addiction to this kind of pornography.'

Defending Haycock, Mr. Mark Moore mentioned that the 63-year-old, who had a previously good character, had only accessed such images sporadically. 'There is no evidence he presents a significant risk [to the public]. He has no desire to go to prison and would co-operate with any order made,' Mr. Moore added.