KEVIN GRIFFITHS JAILLED FOR CHILD PORN AT JARROW AND WALLSEND HOSPITALS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Jarrow and Wallsend, Dr. Kevin Griffiths, a 49-year-old family doctor, has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. The arrest was made after a colleague at the Palmer Community Hospital in Jarrow discovered a hidden stash of illegal material on a computer memory stick kept in Griffiths' office. This discovery prompted an investigation that uncovered a far more troubling pattern of behavior.

According to court proceedings, the medical staff at the Jarrow-based practice had already grown suspicious of Griffiths' conduct. Reports indicated that patient notes had begun to go missing, and there were concerns about his conduct at work, especially as he was observed smelling of alcohol during working hours. These suspicions culminated in the discovery of the illicit images, which led to Griffiths' immediate arrest. During police interviews, Griffiths confessed that he had used two of his personal home computers to access and download the disturbing material from the internet.

Griffiths, who resides in Wallsend, faced multiple charges, including 13 counts of making and possessing indecent photographs of children. The images and videos he stored were classified as categories four and five, which are considered the most severe and disturbing types of such material. The court was informed that among the images were those depicting girls as young as five years old being coerced into sexual acts with multiple men, highlighting the heinous nature of his offenses.

During his police interview, Griffiths expressed remorse and explained that his actions stemmed from work-related stress and issues with alcoholism. He revealed that he had been seeking help for his problems, consulting both his own GP and a psychotherapist. In his own words, he stated, “I realize I have problems and an addictive personality. I have been secretly drinking alcohol and downloading porn even though, obviously sooner or later, I would be caught. I am glad it is now out in the open, and I might get some help.”

His defense lawyer, Robert Woodcock, argued that Griffiths was suitable for treatment under the probation service for sex offenders and could be managed safely within the community. The lawyer also highlighted the personal toll of Griffiths’ actions, noting that his behavior had caused “catastrophic wreckage” to his family life, leading to the breakdown of his marriage with his wife and the separation from his son.

However, the judge, Esmond Faulks, was unequivocal in his sentencing. He sentenced Griffiths to 12 months in prison, ordered him to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, and imposed a lifelong ban on working with children. Additionally, Griffiths was prohibited from using the internet for entertainment purposes. The judge described the images as the “vilest type” and emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “This is a tragic and traumatic fall from grace for a man in your position. Other than this matter, you have led a life dedicated to others, both in your work and your private life. You are a man of impeccable character, and I imagine as a result of these offences, you will never be able to practice as a doctor again.”