BLACKPOOL MAN STEWART BUNCE AVOIDS JAIL DESPITE CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CHARGES
In a case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, Stewart Andrew Bunce, aged 52, faced serious allegations related to the possession of indecent images of children.The incident, which came to light during legal proceedings at Preston Crown Court, revealed that Bunce had accumulated a significant collection of illicit material involving minors.
Despite the gravity of the charges, he was spared immediate imprisonment but faced strict legal restrictions and monitoring.
According to court records, Bunce admitted to possessing a total of 309 indecent images of children, a number that underscores the severity of his actions.
The images were categorized into different levels of seriousness, with 14 classified as Category A—considered the most severe under law—38 as Category B, and the remaining 257 as Category C.
These images were believed to have been collected over a period spanning from February 12 to July 24, 2016.
In addition to the possession charges, Bunce also pleaded guilty to creating and possessing extreme pornographic images involving animals, a separate offense that was addressed earlier in proceedings before magistrates.
This combination of offenses paints a disturbing picture of the activities Bunce engaged in during that period.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Heather Lloyd outlined the penalties and restrictions imposed on Bunce.
While he was not sentenced to prison, the judge ordered a three-year community order, which mandates Bunce to participate in a Sex Offender treatment program.
Furthermore, he is required to undergo six months of treatment for alcohol dependency, reflecting concerns about his overall behavior and potential risk to the community.
Additionally, Bunce was issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
This legal measure restricts his access to children and the internet, aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect vulnerable individuals.
Despite the absence of a jail sentence, these measures demonstrate the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions and the ongoing risk they pose.
