BENTILEE OFFENDER STEPHEN SMITH HAD INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY, COURT HEARS
| Red Rose Database
Bentilee Child Sexual Abuser
In May 2014, Stephen Smith, a former sailor from Bentilee, was found to have downloaded indecent images of children and extreme pornography on his laptop. The 52-year-old admitted to accessing pornographic websites and saving various images, with a judge noting that rehabilitative measures were more appropriate than immediate imprisonment.
Prosecutor Fiona Cortese revealed during the case at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that police officers raided Smith’s home in Bentilee at 8:05 am on January 4 of the previous year. She explained, “He was arrested and interviewed before the computer was analyzed. He confirmed it was his and that he used it to access the internet.”
Authorities discovered a total of 75 images classified at level one; seven at level two; ten at level three; 18 at level four; and one at level five, which is the most severe category. Additionally, two moving images were classified at level one, alongside seven extreme pornographic images involving an animal.
Smith claimed he could not recall viewing any indecent images and stated he encountered the extreme pornography while searching for adult content. He also alleged that an external party had hacked into his internet connection.
Miss Cortese added, “There was also an indication the defendant had searched the internet for indecent images of children. He said he knew it was wrong to access such images and expressed remorse.”
Smith, of Paisley Close, pleaded guilty to six offences related to making indecent photographs of a child and possessing an extreme pornographic image, with dates spanning from January 3, 2010, to January 5, 2013.
Defence solicitor Arif Hussain noted that Smith, who had no prior convictions, possessed an excellent work history but had to leave his job after suffering a stroke in November. He is currently undergoing counseling. Hussain remarked, “The commission of these offences is a fall from grace for a man who has served in the Navy and worked his entire life.”
Judge Glenn sentenced Smith to a three-year community order with supervised activity and mandated participation in a community sex offender group work program. He also imposed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, restricting Smith from using any device capable of internet access. Moreover, Smith will be listed on the sex offenders’ register for five years and barred from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults.
Addressing Smith directly, Judge Glenn stated, “You need to understand that these are real children being abused for the entertainment of people who use these appalling websites.” However, the judge noted that the images had been for Smith’s personal use only, adding, “If I impose a custodial sentence, you would serve less than half. I believe there is more to be gained through rehabilitation.”
Lastly, Smith was ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £60 surcharge.
Prosecutor Fiona Cortese revealed during the case at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that police officers raided Smith’s home in Bentilee at 8:05 am on January 4 of the previous year. She explained, “He was arrested and interviewed before the computer was analyzed. He confirmed it was his and that he used it to access the internet.”
Authorities discovered a total of 75 images classified at level one; seven at level two; ten at level three; 18 at level four; and one at level five, which is the most severe category. Additionally, two moving images were classified at level one, alongside seven extreme pornographic images involving an animal.
Smith claimed he could not recall viewing any indecent images and stated he encountered the extreme pornography while searching for adult content. He also alleged that an external party had hacked into his internet connection.
Miss Cortese added, “There was also an indication the defendant had searched the internet for indecent images of children. He said he knew it was wrong to access such images and expressed remorse.”
Smith, of Paisley Close, pleaded guilty to six offences related to making indecent photographs of a child and possessing an extreme pornographic image, with dates spanning from January 3, 2010, to January 5, 2013.
Defence solicitor Arif Hussain noted that Smith, who had no prior convictions, possessed an excellent work history but had to leave his job after suffering a stroke in November. He is currently undergoing counseling. Hussain remarked, “The commission of these offences is a fall from grace for a man who has served in the Navy and worked his entire life.”
Judge Glenn sentenced Smith to a three-year community order with supervised activity and mandated participation in a community sex offender group work program. He also imposed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, restricting Smith from using any device capable of internet access. Moreover, Smith will be listed on the sex offenders’ register for five years and barred from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults.
Addressing Smith directly, Judge Glenn stated, “You need to understand that these are real children being abused for the entertainment of people who use these appalling websites.” However, the judge noted that the images had been for Smith’s personal use only, adding, “If I impose a custodial sentence, you would serve less than half. I believe there is more to be gained through rehabilitation.”
Lastly, Smith was ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £60 surcharge.