MICHAEL SPELLER FROM WALLINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN CROYDON

In January 2011, a distressing case unfolded involving a local resident from Wallington, Michael Speller, who faced serious criminal charges related to the possession of child pornography. The incident came to light after his wife discovered inappropriate images on his home computer, leading to a police investigation that revealed disturbing evidence of his involvement in the creation and distribution of indecent material involving minors.

Michael Speller, aged 63 and formerly residing on Onslow Gardens in Wallington, was brought before Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, January 4. He pleaded guilty to seven separate charges concerning the production of obscene images and videos depicting young girls. The police investigation uncovered a total of 444 images and 50 movies, some of which were classified as highly serious due to their explicit content involving minors.

Prosecutor Julius Capon detailed the case, stating, “He had apparently admitted to this sort of behaviour seven years ago. But, on August 20 this year, she checked his computer and found pictures of girls aged about 11.” The discovery led to a confrontation between Speller and his wife, which escalated into a physical struggle as they both attempted to control the computer mouse. During the altercation, his wife demanded that he leave their home, which he did, with one of their three sons intervening and ordering Speller to vacate the premises.

The court heard that the images and videos found on Speller’s computer were of a disturbing nature, with some depicting young girls around the age of 11. The seriousness of the offences was emphasized by Judge Tim Stow Q.C., who remarked, “These offences are very serious. They provide a market for those people who are wicked enough to subject children to sexual acts for publication on the internet and to be seen by people like you.”

At the time of the hearing, it was revealed that Speller was employed as a facilities manager at McDonald's. In sentencing, he received an eight-month prison term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the potential risk posed to the community.