JUSTIN HAYWARD SHREWSBURY SEX OFFENDER CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the community of Shrewsbury, Justin Hayward, a resident of Heathfield Close, was brought before the courts following the discovery of indecent images of children on his personal devices. The incident came to light after Hayward’s brother, who had asked to borrow his hard drive, uncovered a disturbing folder labeled 'private' containing illicit material.

According to court reports, the brother opened the folder and was confronted with a video clip depicting inappropriate images involving minors. Alarmed by what he saw, he quickly closed the file and checked other contents on the drive, discovering that similar material was present elsewhere. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the brother chose to inform their parents two days later, which ultimately led to the authorities being contacted.

Hayward, aged 24 at the time, was residing at home with his parents in Shrewsbury while on long-term sick leave from the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy Police were alerted by his parents after they learned of the images, prompting an immediate investigation. West Mercia Police subsequently arrested Hayward in August 2013.

During the legal proceedings, prosecutor Mr. Timothy Harrington detailed the circumstances, emphasizing that the images were found on a hard drive that Hayward’s brother had borrowed. The court was told that Hayward had admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children and two counts of possessing such images.

In May 2014, Hayward was sentenced to a three-year community order, which included mandatory attendance at a community sex offender’s programme. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual offences prevention order for five years and ordered to pay costs amounting to £370. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the laptop and hard drive involved in the case.

Judge Robin Onions, presiding over the case, commended the actions of Hayward’s family, stating, “The family should be commended on their actions. They acted entirely properly. It must have been something which made them very anxious.” The judge’s comments highlighted the importance of family intervention and responsible reporting in such sensitive cases.

Hayward’s legal representative, Mr. Brendan Reedy, described his client as a young man of previously good character who had experienced a troubled childhood. Reedy also noted that Hayward was suffering from psychological issues and was on long-term sick leave from the Navy prior to the incident. He expressed hope that Hayward, who was in a new relationship and wished to move forward, could rebuild his life after the conviction.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding child exploitation and the importance of vigilance within communities. The authorities continue to emphasize the need for prompt reporting and intervention to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.