MARCK KNOWLES FROM WORCESTER STILL UNCONVICTED AFTER NEARLY THREE YEARS OVER INDECENT IMAGES CASE
In Worcester, the case of former quizmaster Marc Knowles remains unresolved nearly three years after his initial arrest, raising concerns about significant delays in the judicial process.Knowles, aged 36 and residing on Saunders Street in Worcester, has yet to be formally sentenced for charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children, despite having made admissions during police interviews.
The case has been marked by multiple postponements, with the most recent hearing taking place at Worcester Crown Court.
During this session, the court was informed that Knowles did not appear, and his legal representatives had yet to obtain a crucial psychiatric report that would aid in determining his fitness to stand trial and ultimately influence sentencing decisions.
Originally, the case was adjourned in January to allow for a psychiatric assessment of the defendant.
The charges against Knowles include the creation of 56 indecent images of children classified as Category A, the most severe level, which he allegedly produced between February 18 and December 20, 2017.
Additionally, he faces accusations of making 215 images at Category B and possessing 572 images at Category C within the same timeframe, with the latter category representing less severe content.
During the hearing, Recorder David Mason QC expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, stating, “I know there’s been a hiccup but it’s dragging on a bit now.
We need to get on with it.
He was arrested in December 2017.
It’s getting a little bit old to put it mildly.” The judge emphasized the importance of progressing with the case, highlighting the need for timely resolution.
Earlier, Knowles’ barrister, Elizabeth Power, requested that her client not be formally arraigned until a psychiatric evaluation was completed.
She explained that Knowles was scheduled to see a doctor that week, but the appointment had not yet taken place, as the medical professional had not responded to the solicitors.
She assured the court that a new appointment was set for mid-September, which would clarify his mental fitness and allow the case to proceed.
The court decided to adjourn the case until October 28, when pleas and sentencing are expected to be addressed.
Meanwhile, a pre-sentence report has been ordered, with a probation officer indicating that Knowles could be interviewed before the psychiatric report is available.
If necessary, a follow-up interview could be conducted once the medical assessment is complete, ensuring that all relevant information is considered before final sentencing.
