STEPHEN WOOD FROM CHELTENHAM AND QUEDGELEY CAUGHT VIEWING CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES

In April 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Stephen Wood, a man with ties to both Cheltenham and Quedgeley, who was found to have engaged in the viewing and distribution of highly disturbing images depicting the sexual abuse of young children.

Wood, aged 36 and a father of two, was brought before Gloucester Crown Court where he faced serious charges related to his possession and dissemination of indecent images. The court heard that Wood had accumulated a staggering total of 7,710 still images and 68 videos that depicted children as young as three being sexually abused. These images and videos were discovered during a police investigation that was initiated after authorities received information indicating that Wood was actively distributing such material.

Judge William Hart presided over the case and delivered a stern and condemnatory statement to the defendant. He emphasized the gravity of Wood’s actions and the profound impact they have on society’s moral fabric. The judge stated, “Whatever punishment the court imposes can hardly match the fact that people will now be aware that you have gained sexual gratification from watching images of adults abusing children as young as three. This will fill right-minded people with revulsion and you will have to live with that.”

Judge Hart also made it clear that Wood’s actions had already resulted in the loss of his personal life, including his wife, children, and employment. The court’s message was clear: engaging in the viewing or distribution of child abuse images can lead to devastating consequences, not only for the victims but also for the offenders’ lives and reputations.

During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by Julian Kesner, detailed how police had acted on intelligence received in August of the previous year. A search of Wood’s residence in Cheltenham was conducted in September, during which authorities seized his computer, storage media, and discs. The investigation uncovered the extensive collection of illicit images and videos. Prosecutors highlighted that Wood had no prior convictions and was considered a man of previously good character.

In his defense, lawyer Lloyd Jenkins described Wood’s situation as tragic, citing a long history of addiction to alcohol, drugs, and pornography. Jenkins portrayed Wood as a broken man who had lost everything but was aware of his need for help. The defense also noted that Wood’s parents were present in the courtroom to support him.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Wood to 14 months in custody, suspended for two years, with an additional two years of intensive supervision. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and was placed under a Sex Offenders Prevention Order until further notice. The judge’s ruling underscored the seriousness of the offenses and the importance of safeguarding society from individuals who pose a risk due to their actions involving child exploitation images.