STEVE YATES FROM TENBURY WELLS CONVICTED IN LUDLOW FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DOWNLOADS

In a case that has shocked the local community, Steven Yates, a 58-year-old resident of Tenbury Wells, was convicted of downloading indecent images of children while working at a Chartered Surveyors office in Ludlow. The incident, which spanned over two years, involved the storage of highly inappropriate and illegal images on his work computer at McCartney's Chartered Surveyors, located at Ox Pasture in Ludlow.

Yates's actions came to light after a witness reported seeing what appeared to be an image of a topless woman on his computer screen while he was seated at his desk. This report prompted an investigation by police authorities, leading to a search of Yates's computer. During the search, officers discovered five of the most serious images depicting child abuse, along with more than 180 additional images classified at lower levels of seriousness. These findings confirmed the suspicions and led to his arrest and subsequent trial.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court, Yates faced multiple charges, including four counts of making indecent photographs of children, with allegations dating from January 2010 to July 2012. Despite denying these charges, claiming that other staff members had access to his computer, the evidence presented during the trial proved his guilt. The court heard that Yates had stored these images over a prolonged period, which added to the severity of his conviction.

Judge Stuart Sprawson sentenced Yates to eight months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. Additionally, Yates was ordered to register as a sex offender and was placed under a sexual offences prevention order for five years. The court also mandated that he pay £3,050 in court costs. Yates, who resides in Burford, Tenbury Wells, was found guilty after a trial despite his initial denial of the charges.

Representing Yates, lawyer Andrew Davidson, emphasized that his client had lost his employment and had previously maintained a good character. Davidson described the impact of the conviction as catastrophic, highlighting the shame and humiliation Yates and his family now face. Meanwhile, John Uffold, chairman of McCartney's, expressed relief that the case had been resolved and assured that the investigation confirmed no other staff members were involved. Uffold stated, “We are relieved the episode is over and that justice has been seen to be done. I am happy that the incident has been thoroughly investigated and no other member of staff was implicated in any form whatsoever.”