MICHAEL BROOKES FROM HAWORTH CAUGHT WITH INDECENT CHILD IMAGES IN BRADFORD

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Haworth, Michael Brookes, a 34-year-old man residing on Fairfax Street, was found guilty of possessing indecent images of minors and was subsequently sentenced at Bradford Crown Court. The incident dates back to September 2016, when police traced an IP address linked to Brookes’ residence, leading to a search of his computer equipment.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Brookes had stored multiple indecent videos depicting young girls aged between 11 and 14. The court proceedings revealed that he was charged with three counts, each involving different categories of images based on their severity. The first count involved Category A images, which are classified as the most serious, while the second involved Category B images, considered less severe, and the third involved Category C images. Each count was associated with three moving images, highlighting the extent of the material found.

Prosecutor Clare Walsh explained to the court that Brookes had appeared in court previously on March 27, but the case was adjourned due to uncertainties regarding the presence of additional images on the seized devices. She emphasized that all specimen images examined were moving images, and there was concern that more material might be stored on Brookes’ computer equipment. Walsh further disclosed that Brookes had admitted to regularly visiting a website where he downloaded images of girls aged between 11 and 18, acknowledging that his actions were wrong. Despite this, she noted that Brookes had no prior convictions, apart from a caution received in 2003 for an unrelated offence.

In his defense, Stephen Wood, representing Brookes, requested the court to impose a sexual harm prevention order. This order would restrict Brookes’ internet usage unless monitored by police, require him to retain a history of visited websites, and make his device available for police inspection upon request. The judge, Jonathan Durham Hall QC, the Recorder of Bradford, agreed to these terms, emphasizing the importance of preventing further harm.

When sentencing Brookes, who was present in the dock wearing his hair in a ponytail, glasses, and a black coat, Judge Durham Hall highlighted the broader implications of his actions. He stated, “He needs to understand that behind every image there is a victim.” The judge acknowledged that Brookes had previously accessed legal adult pornography, but stressed that his possession of these images was deliberate, not accidental. The court also noted that Brookes exhibited signs of self-loathing, suggesting that his fascination was out of character.

As a result, Brookes was handed a two-year community order. This order includes a minimum of 90 days of sexual rehabilitation and other related programs aimed at addressing his behavior. Additionally, he was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his access to material and prevent any further offending of this nature.