NEIL RUSHTON FROM FENTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In March 2021, Neil Rushton, a 57-year-old resident of Monty Place in Fenton, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of his involvement with indecent images of children. The police executed a warrant at Rushton's home in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, seizing a laptop and a mobile phone for detailed analysis.

During the forensic examination, officers discovered a total of 14 images classified as Category A, which are considered the most severe in terms of content. Additionally, there were 42 images categorized as B, and a significant number of 449 images fell into Category C, the least serious classification. Beyond these, authorities also identified nine prohibited images, which are explicitly banned under the law. The images depicted children ranging in age from as young as one year old to 16 years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material Rushton had accessed.

At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the prosecution outlined the gravity of the case, emphasizing that the most serious images involved very young children. Prosecutor Sophie Murray pointed out that the primary aggravating factor was the age of the children depicted, which ranged from infants to teenagers. Rushton, who resides on Monty Place in Fenton, pleaded guilty to three charges: making indecent images of children and possession of prohibited images.

In sentencing, Judge Paul Glenn addressed Rushton directly, stating, "You have now lost your good name." The judge explained that Rushton had downloaded Category C images and, during the process, inadvertently downloaded some material classified as A and B, which he then deleted. The court considered this plea and the fact that the delay in prosecution served as a form of punishment. Judge Glenn noted that Rushton's own admission of having a fetish and his interest in girls aged 14 to 16, as well as older females, was supported by his internet search history spanning five or six years.

While the judge acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, he concluded that custody was not necessary in this case. Instead, Rushton was sentenced to an 18-month community order, which includes a requirement to participate in a rehabilitation activity for 30 days. Additionally, he was subjected to a three-month electronically monitored curfew from 9 pm to 5 am. Rushton was also placed on the sex offenders' register for five years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for the same period. This order prohibits him from engaging in a range of activities involving children and vulnerable adults. Furthermore, Rushton was ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,500.