MATHEW SUTTON FROM BENTILEE INVOLVED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In December 2015, it was reported that Mathew Sutton, who was then residing in Clayton, was involved in a serious criminal case related to the distribution of indecent images of children. Sutton, originally from Bentilee, became a subject of police investigation following a series of events that unfolded in July 2011.

According to court records, Sutton's criminal activities came to light after law enforcement officials arrested another man in Newcastle. During the investigation, authorities discovered that the other man's phone contained a number of indecent images, which prompted further scrutiny.

Prosecutor Paul Spratt addressed the court, revealing that a detailed examination of the phone uncovered sexually explicit messages that ultimately led police to Sutton. This chain of evidence established a direct link between Sutton and the illicit material.

On January 30 of the previous year, Sutton was formally arrested. During the search, police recovered two mobile phones belonging to him. These devices contained a significant collection of images, varying in severity, including 17 images classified as extreme pornographic content. Sutton faced multiple charges, including 18 counts of making indecent photographs of children, two counts of distributing such images, and one count of possessing extreme pornographic material.

At the court hearing, Sutton pleaded guilty to all charges. His defense attorney, Jason Holt, argued that Sutton had lost his good character due to his actions and the subsequent legal consequences.

Judge Paul Glenn delivered the verdict, opting for a community-based sentence rather than imprisonment. Sutton was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes three years of supervision. As part of his sentence, he is required to attend a community sex offenders' group program and complete 160 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Sutton will be registered on the sex offenders' register for a period of five years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing monitoring deemed necessary by the court.