LEE WILDMAN FROM CAMBLESFORTH ARRESTED OVER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AT WORK IN YORK

In January 2017, a man from Camblesforth faced serious legal consequences after being apprehended by police at his place of employment due to the possession of indecent images of children. The incident unfolded when authorities conducted a search of Lee Wildman’s personal devices, including his laptop, tablet, and mobile phone, uncovering a disturbing collection of illicit material.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hancock revealed that the police discovered more than 3,100 videos and photographs depicting children as young as four years old. Among these, twenty-two videos and six photographs were classified as the most severe category of child exploitation material. Additionally, four videos and four photographs fell into a slightly less grave category, but all were indicative of serious criminal activity.

The investigation further revealed that Wildman had engaged in a deliberate and systematic effort to seek out indecent images of children. Over a period of approximately fifteen months leading up to his arrest, he used peer-to-peer file-sharing software to search for and download such material. This pattern of behavior demonstrated a persistent and calculated attempt to access and accumulate illegal content.

During the court proceedings, Judge Andrew Stubbs QC addressed Wildman’s actions, stating, “You were persistent and determined in your search for child pornography, not worrying about the damage being done to the children. You were interested in them for your own sexual gratification.”

Wildman, aged 41 and residing on Lingcroft Close in Camblesforth, pleaded guilty to a single charge of making indecent images, which related to offenses committed between March 2015 and June 2016. As a result, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison. However, the judge suspended the sentence for two years, taking into account the steps Wildman had taken since his arrest to prevent future offending, as well as the potential difficulties and harm that could arise from incarcerating him, particularly considering his in-laws.

As part of the conditions for the suspended sentence, Wildman is required to complete 60 days of rehabilitative activities aimed at addressing his behavior. Furthermore, he has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for a decade, subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, and ordered to pay prosecution costs amounting to £1,000.