HULL NIGHTCLUB SUPERVISOR THOMAS BUXTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES
In February 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Thomas Buxton, a bar supervisor at one of Hull’s most prominent nightclubs, The Welly.Buxton, aged 26, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation after police uncovered a significant collection of indecent images of children stored on his mobile device.
Initially, Humberside Police offered Buxton a caution, a common alternative to prosecution for certain offenses, especially when evidence is limited or the suspect shows remorse.
However, Buxton refused this offer, denying any involvement with the images when they were discovered.
The images came to light after his girlfriend, Samantha Bradley, removed a memory card from his Samsung mobile phone to inspect its contents.
Upon viewing the contents, she was shocked to find not only adult pornography but also up to ten images depicting very young children in compromising situations.
Concerned and disturbed by what she saw, Bradley contacted her mother and subsequently alerted the authorities.
The police then examined the memory card, which was found to contain a staggering total of 4,156 images.
Among these were photographs of Buxton and his family, over 2,000 images of adult transsexual pornography, and 296 indecent images of children.
The discovery of such material prompted a thorough investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
Buxton was brought before Hull Crown Court, where a jury of eight men and four women deliberated over three days.
The court found him guilty of three counts of possessing indecent images of children, a conviction that carried serious legal and moral implications.
The judge presiding over the case, Judge Michael Mettyear, the Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, did not hold back in criticizing Buxton’s attitude and conduct during the trial.
After the verdict, Judge Mettyear expressed his disappointment with Buxton’s arrogance and refusal to accept responsibility.
During the proceedings, Buxton’s barrister, Steven Garth, was questioned about why his client had not made any arrangements to pay fines or costs associated with the case.
Buxton, visibly upset and tearful, responded from the dock, saying, “I was expecting the right answer.” The judge immediately reprimanded him, instructing him not to speak further and ordering him to pay the prosecution costs of £1,500 at a rate of £15 per week.
Furthermore, Judge Mettyear emphasized that there was no doubt about Buxton’s guilt, stating, “There was no doubt whatsoever that it was you that did this and you just don’t have the guts to admit it to yourself or your parents.” He condemned Buxton’s arrogance in turning down the police caution, asserting that such behavior had caused significant costs to the country and its citizens.
In summary, this case highlights the serious nature of possessing indecent images of children and the importance of accountability.
Buxton’s actions, as revealed through the investigation and court proceedings, have led to a conviction that underscores the gravity of such offenses and the societal need to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.
