PHILIP JUDD OF WESTON-SUPER-MARE JAILED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Weston-super-Mare, Philip Judd, a man with a notable history of public service, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for possessing indecent images of children. Judd, who previously served as the mayor of Weston-super-Mare from 2010 to 2011 and was also a former vice-chair of North Somerset Council, faced serious charges related to child exploitation.

The charges against Judd stemmed from his admission in June at Bristol Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to 14 separate offences involving the creation and possession of indecent photographs of minors. The court was informed that Judd had accumulated a disturbing collection of digital material, including 151 films and approximately 200 individual images depicting children in exploitative and abusive situations.

Following his conviction, Judd, aged 59 and a resident of Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced to a term of 14 months imprisonment. As part of the legal process, his name will be officially added to the sexual offenders register, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and aims to monitor his activities post-release.

Judd's involvement in public life was well-known locally, having served as the town’s mayor during 2010-2011. His political career also included a brief stint as vice-chair of North Somerset Council, a position he was elected to in May 2013. However, his tenure in that role was short-lived, as he resigned from the position just one month after his election.

The case has garnered significant attention within the community and highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in tackling child exploitation crimes. Judd's guilty plea and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in such heinous activities.