MICHAEL WOOD FROM HENSINGHAM JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY INVOLVING BABY IN WHITEHAVEN

In October 2008, a disturbing case emerged involving Michael Wood, a 31-year-old resident of Nursery Place in Hensingham, Whitehaven. Wood was found to possess an alarming collection of child pornography, including a total of 656 images that police described as 'revolting.'

The investigation was initiated after Wood’s estranged wife and mother discovered the illicit images on his computer. This discovery led to police intervention, which resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of illegal material. Among the images, 17 were classified as category four, indicating the most severe level of abuse, and depicted children being subjected to sexual acts by adults. Additionally, authorities recovered three films categorized as category four and one film classified as category three.

During the proceedings at Whitehaven Magistrates’ Court on September 3, Wood pleaded guilty to all charges. The case drew particular attention due to the disturbing nature of the content, especially the age of the children involved. Judge Paul Batty QC at Carlisle Crown Court highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the images and films included a baby and children as young as three or four years old.

Judge Batty remarked on the heinousness of the crimes, stating, “Using the internet you accessed revolting child images. You must understand that every one of these images and four films represent real sexual abuse of children.” The court sentenced Wood to a total of 12 months in prison for the possession of the three category four films, six months for the category three film, nine months for the 17 category four images, and an additional three months for the remaining images. All sentences are to run concurrently.

Furthermore, Wood was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and is required to remain on it for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the ongoing risk posed by such crimes.