STEVE COLLEDGE FROM MALVERN JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN WORCESTER

In June 2008, Steven Colledge, a resident of Wych Road in Malvern, faced serious legal consequences after being found guilty of possessing indecent images of children. The case was heard before magistrates in Worcester, where it was revealed that Colledge, aged 24, had been dishonourably discharged from the army following a period of going AWOL. His military background and personal struggles were highlighted during the proceedings, providing context for his actions.

Colledge was charged with two counts of possessing both moving and still images of minors on his mobile phone. The investigation traced the images back to a contact in Cheshire, whom Colledge had met through the internet. Authorities from Cheshire Constabulary conducted a detailed inquiry into the case, which led to Colledge’s identification and subsequent court appearance. The images in question included two moving pictures, which police classified as level four in severity—just below the highest level, five—and two still images, rated at the lowest severity level, one.

Prosecutor Mark Johnson outlined that the images had been received via text messages from the Cheshire contact, with whom Colledge had exchanged messages discussing child pornography. During police interviews, Colledge admitted to the possession of these images. He explained that his actions were driven by loneliness and estrangement from his family, which appeared to have contributed to his mental state at the time.

In his defense, Judith Kenney, representing Colledge, emphasized that her client had acknowledged his guilt and was experiencing a difficult period in his life. She detailed that Colledge had joined the army at a young age, where he faced bullying, leading to his going absent without leave and ultimately receiving a dishonourable discharge. Mrs. Kenney argued that the offenses occurred over a brief timeframe and clarified that Colledge had no contact with children during this period.

After more than thirty minutes of deliberation, magistrate Geraldine Meers addressed the court. She described the offense as extremely serious and sentenced Colledge to 20 weeks in prison. Additionally, she imposed a two-year suspended sentence, citing the fact that there was no evidence of solicitation or active pursuit of children. Magistrates also ordered Colledge to participate in a community sex offenders’ program, sign the sex offenders’ register, and adhere to a two-year supervision order to monitor his conduct moving forward.

This case underscores the gravity with which authorities treat the possession of child exploitation material, especially when linked to internet activity and personal vulnerabilities. Colledge’s case serves as a reminder of the legal and social consequences faced by individuals involved in such offenses, regardless of their personal circumstances or background.