NICK WATTS FROM CROYDON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL AT CROWDON LEISURE CENTRE

In a disturbing incident that took place in Croydon, a man identified as Nick Watts, aged 46 and residing on Waddon Road, was involved in a highly inappropriate and illegal act in a public setting. On June 2 of the previous year, Watts was observed engaging in lewd behavior in the parking lot of the Westcroft Centre, a popular leisure and sports facility located in Carshalton, Croydon. Witnesses, including a concerned parent, saw Watts sitting naked in his vehicle, actively masturbating while seemingly watching children in the vicinity. This alarming sighting prompted immediate police intervention.

Following the report, law enforcement officers responded swiftly and arrested Watts. During a subsequent search of his residence, authorities discovered approximately 22,000 indecent images of children stored on his computer. These images varied in severity, indicating a significant collection of illicit material. The discovery further underscored the gravity of Watts' offending behavior and the potential risk posed to children.

At Croydon Crown Court, the proceedings revealed the extent of Watts' criminal activity. The defendant, who was unemployed and described as a bachelor, faced multiple charges. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to 23 counts, including possession of indecent images of children and outraging public decency. The court heard that Watts had been in the driver’s seat of his car in a busy public area, exposing himself and engaging in inappropriate conduct in front of passersby, including families with children.

Judge Nicholas Ainley addressed the court, expressing concern over the impact of Watts' actions on the victims and the broader community. The judge stated, “One has to feel for the poor children who are dragged into this disgusting business which people like you are helping. I am more concerned with stopping you from the exploiting of young children. With a sentence of immediate imprisonment, you would soon be out and doing it again.”

Shekinah Anson, the prosecutor, detailed the incident, emphasizing that Watts was observed in the Westcroft Centre car park, which was notably busy at the time. She explained, “He was seen in the driver’s seat. He was exposing the left side of his rear and he was wearing nothing.”

In his defense, lawyer Ailimarie Arunachalam stated that Watts had a longstanding interest in adult pornography but had inadvertently come across child pornography, which he then viewed privately. She added that Watts had not shared any of the images and that he had been prescribed anti-depressants following his arrest. Despite the defense, Watts was sentenced to a 10-month jail term, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was subjected to a three-year supervision order and mandated to attend a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding public safety and the importance of vigilance in monitoring and addressing such disturbing criminal behaviors within communities like Croydon.