STEPHEN BRADBURY AND HIS SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
Stephen Bradbury, a 75-year-old known resident of Stoke-on-Trent, has been sentenced to a 20-month prison term after being found in possession of a vast collection of prohibited child abuse images, including some of the most heinous and distressing kind.His arrest came in January of the previous year when police officers conducted a search of his home in Bucknall, a district within Stoke-on-Trent, leading to the discovery of evidence that would ultimately result in his conviction.
Upon arriving at his residence, police observed Bradbury attempting to hide a device, which appeared suspicious through the window.
When confronted by officers, he admitted to having indecent images stored on his iPad.
An authorized analysis of the device revealed that it contained hundreds of illicit images spanning categories A, B, and C, which are classified based on the severity and explicit nature of the content.
Among these images was an extreme pornographic depiction alongside a particularly disturbing image of an 18-month-old girl in considerable distress, being subjected to rape.
The court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court revealed details of Bradbury’s extensive criminal history.
His previous convictions include charges of indecent assault, gross indecency with a child, indecent assault on a girl under 14, and possession of indecent images of children.
These past offences underscore a pattern of sexually criminal behavior involving minors.
Prosecutor Mark Brookes provided a detailed account of the digital evidence, stating that the police analysis of Bradbury’s iPad uncovered 126 still images and 75 videos at category A, representing the most serious and obscene material.
Additionally, there were 35 pictures and eight videos ranked as category B, along with 34 images and six videos falling under category C.
Bradbury, who does not currently have a fixed address but was previously residing on Fellbrook Lane in Bucknall, pleaded guilty to three charges: making indecent photographs of children, possession of a prohibited image of a child, and possession of extreme pornography.
His guilty plea acknowledged his involvement in these criminal activities.
During mitigation, defense lawyer Paul Cliff emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting he shared or distributed these images further.
He also noted that the quantity of images was modest in comparison to similar cases.
Furthermore, Mr.
Cliff highlighted Bradbury’s health issues, which include chronic emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, and arthritis, suggesting these conditions should be considered when determining his punishment.
In addressing the court, Judge Sally Hancox expressed her condemnation of Bradbury’s actions, highlighting his acknowledgment of his ongoing attraction to children and the disturbing nature of the images, particularly the one involving the infant girl.
The judge remarked on Bradbury’s grim foresight, quoting his words when asked if there was anything he had not disclosed: “There is child porn on it.
I am going back to prison, aren’t I?” The judge emphasized that Bradbury’s sentence would be halved before he could be considered for release by the parole board, but it was clear he was expected to serve a significant period in custody.
Additionally, she imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) lasting ten years and mandated that he be listed on the sex offenders’ register for the same duration.
DC Darren Bithell from the sex offender management unit voiced his support for the sentence, reaffirming the seriousness of Bradbury’s offences and their potential risk to children and the broader community.
The authorities remain committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in sexual offences against minors, prioritizing the safeguarding of victims over all else.
