CHELMSFORD MAN NICHOLAS WAKELING ADMITS TO CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DOWNLOADS AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY INVOLVING TIGERS
In July 2015, Nicholas Wakeling, a 60-year-old resident of Wavell Close, Springfield, Chelmsford, faced serious criminal charges related to the possession and download of highly disturbing and illegal images.Wakeling pleaded guilty to a total of 22 charges, which included the downloading of child abuse images and explicit pornography depicting a human engaging in oral sex with a tiger, an act classified as extreme pornography.
At Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Martyn Levett delivered the sentencing, opting for a community order that will last for three years.
As part of the court's decision, Wakeling was also ordered to participate in a sex offenders treatment program, to sign the sex offenders register for a period of five years, and to adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.
During the proceedings, the judge highlighted the nature and quantity of the images Wakeling was found in possession of.
It was revealed that although nearly 4,000 images were initially identified, many of these were duplicates.
Consequently, the court estimated that Wakeling possessed no more than approximately 1,000 unique images, all classified at the highest level of severity, Category A.
Among these was the extreme image involving the tiger.
The collection of images ranged from depictions of toddlers to teenagers, illustrating the disturbing scope of Wakeling’s illicit material.
Judge Levett emphasized the broader societal harm caused by such material, stating, “The public and you need to understand that downloading images of babies, infants, young children, and pre-teen girls perpetuates a market that encourages the production of more and more indecent images of children.” He further explained that these images cause ongoing harm to the victims, noting, “Those children will be harmed by the knowledge that perverted gratification gained by adults like you from looking at the images is something they will have hanging over their heads.” The judge underscored the long-term impact on victims, saying, “Harm caused to those children can never really be quantified, especially later in life when they realize there are images available on the internet of them as children, and now they are adults.” Judge Levett also addressed Wakeling’s personal circumstances, suggesting that his actions might stem from difficulties in forming relationships and questioning his sexuality.
“I have no doubt in your life you might question your own sexuality and there’s an inability to form relationships,” he remarked.
The judge described Wakeling as likely a lonely man who sought sexual gratification through the internet by viewing these illicit images.
Wakeling’s guilty plea included an admission on October 24 of the previous year, to possessing an extreme pornographic image that depicted in explicit and realistic detail a person engaging in intercourse or oral sex with a tiger.
In addition, he admitted to 21 other offences involving the downloading of indecent images, which included nine still images at various levels of severity (A, B, and C), three moving images at levels A and C, 273 still images across levels A to C, 17 moving images at the same levels, and a staggering 4,047 still images and 15 movies at levels A to C, along with two moving images at level A.
The investigation into Wakeling’s activities was initiated after authorities in the United States provided information indicating that illegal indecent images were being downloaded at his address.
This international cooperation played a crucial role in uncovering the extent of his offences.
During the court hearing, Laura Glover, representing Wakeling, offered a mitigating statement, explaining that he was experiencing distress related to his sexuality.
Her comments suggested that his actions might be linked to personal struggles, although they do not diminish the severity of his crimes.
The case underscores the ongoing concerns about the proliferation of illegal and harmful images on the internet and the importance of judicial measures to address such offences.
