LEE TAYLOR FROM CREWE BANNED AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL IN MADELEY AND STOKE-ON-TRENT

In May 2016, Lee Taylor, a resident of Crewe, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation concerning the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The case unfolded after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence during a search of his home in Birch Dale, Madeley, which is near Crewe. The police action was initiated on August 27, following a tip-off that prompted a thorough investigation into Taylor's activities.

During the search, law enforcement officials seized multiple electronic devices, including a computer tower, three laptops, and a hard drive. Forensic analysis revealed that all five devices contained a significant number of illegal images and videos. Specifically, investigators identified 115 still images and 17 movies classified as Category A, the most severe level of indecency. Additionally, there were 77 still images and 14 movies categorized as Category B, along with 356 still images and six movies falling under Category C. Beyond these, authorities found a total of 487 prohibited images of children, which are considered highly illegal and disturbing.

Prosecutor Kevin Jones detailed the nature of the content, noting that the titles of the videos, such as 'Pre-teen,' '13-year-old,' and 'Jail-bate,' indicated explicit material involving minors. Mr. Jones emphasized that these images were deliberately searched for by Taylor, rather than accidentally discovered, highlighting the premeditated nature of his actions.

Lee Taylor, aged 29 at the time, pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possessing prohibited images. The offences spanned from November 28, 2014, to August 29, 2015. His guilty plea came after a period of social isolation, which was discussed during the court proceedings. It was revealed that Taylor had been ostracized within his community, partly due to the nature of his offences.

Mitigation lawyer Jason Holt described the impact on Taylor’s life, stating that he had been barred from visiting his local supermarket and library in Madeley. Holt explained that Taylor had to relocate just so he could walk freely in the street, as he was effectively shunned by his community. Furthermore, Holt mentioned that Taylor had previously run a club at Madeley Library involving fantasy role play and Warcraft, with members ranging from children aged nine to adults. However, Taylor received a threatening message warning him that he would be killed if he returned to the library, which further isolated him.

Holt clarified that there was no evidence to suggest that Taylor targeted children directly or engaged in any form of physical abuse. The activities at the library were related to his hobby and did not involve minors in any inappropriate manner. Unfortunately, Taylor also lost his job, which he had held for eight years, as a consequence of his convictions.

Judge David Fletcher sentenced Taylor to a two-year community order, including a requirement to participate in a rehabilitation activity for 60 days. Additionally, Taylor was placed under a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to pay costs amounting to £535. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Fletcher expressed grave concern about the nature of Taylor’s crimes, emphasizing the real harm caused to victims. He stated, “You downloaded images which are illegal, distasteful, unpleasant and which reflect misery and human pain on a fairly large scale. The children you were looking at for your own sexual gratification are real people. Their lives are shattered by this sort of abuse.” The court’s decision underscores the serious consequences of such offences and the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in the possession of child abuse images.