TOBIAS RICHARDS STRATFORD PERVERT SENT BACK TO PRISON FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES
| Red Rose Database
Stratford Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that highlights the ongoing struggle with repeat offenders involved in child exploitation, Tobias Richards, a resident of Stratford, has been sentenced to serve additional time behind bars for possessing and creating indecent images of minors. Richards, aged 51 and living on Yarranton Close, has a long and troubling criminal history related to child abuse images, which has culminated in a recent conviction that underscores his persistent offending behavior.
In May 2017, Richards was brought before Warwick Crown Court to face serious charges related to his possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The court heard that Richards had once again engaged in illegal activities by acquiring a tablet computer shortly after his release from prison, with the apparent intent of downloading more illicit material. His actions did not go unnoticed, as police officers from Warwickshire Police’s sex offender management unit conducted a routine check at his residence on February 12. When they arrived, Richards answered the door after a brief delay and permitted the officers inside. During their visit, the officers discussed his plans to move to Rugby, but their attention was soon drawn to a tablet device with an internet dongle attached, which Richards attempted to conceal.
Upon inquiry, Richards immediately acknowledged the situation with a resigned remark, saying, “I’m busted.” Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the officers pressed him further, and Richards admitted that the tablet contained indecent images of children. He expressed remorse, stating, “I can’t help it. I need locking away. I need help,” and revealed that he was attracted to children in their early teens and even younger. He further disclosed that the device held images of both girls and boys, some as young as four years old. Richards described viewing such images as “like a drug,” and lamented that previous prison courses had failed to curb his urges, leaving him feeling helpless against his compulsions.
During the search, officers discovered nearly 400 images on the tablet, many of which were of a highly disturbing nature. Richards’s criminal record is extensive, with six convictions for a total of 34 offences related to child exploitation and indecent images. His prior convictions include a three-year prison sentence in 2013 for distributing indecent images, an 18-month sentence in 2015 for breaching a sexual offences prevention order, and a 12-month sentence in April of the previous year for making indecent photographs of children. Despite these previous sentences, Richards continued to offend, demonstrating a troubling pattern of behavior.
At Warwick Crown Court, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC sentenced Richards to two years and four months in prison. The judge emphasized the severity of Richards’s record, describing it as “utterly appalling,” and pointed out that Richards had made full admissions during police interviews, openly acknowledging his inability to control his urges. The court also ordered Richards to register as a sex offender for ten years, although this is largely a formality given that he is already required to register for life due to his extensive criminal history. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in managing and rehabilitating repeat offenders involved in child exploitation crimes.
In May 2017, Richards was brought before Warwick Crown Court to face serious charges related to his possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The court heard that Richards had once again engaged in illegal activities by acquiring a tablet computer shortly after his release from prison, with the apparent intent of downloading more illicit material. His actions did not go unnoticed, as police officers from Warwickshire Police’s sex offender management unit conducted a routine check at his residence on February 12. When they arrived, Richards answered the door after a brief delay and permitted the officers inside. During their visit, the officers discussed his plans to move to Rugby, but their attention was soon drawn to a tablet device with an internet dongle attached, which Richards attempted to conceal.
Upon inquiry, Richards immediately acknowledged the situation with a resigned remark, saying, “I’m busted.” Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the officers pressed him further, and Richards admitted that the tablet contained indecent images of children. He expressed remorse, stating, “I can’t help it. I need locking away. I need help,” and revealed that he was attracted to children in their early teens and even younger. He further disclosed that the device held images of both girls and boys, some as young as four years old. Richards described viewing such images as “like a drug,” and lamented that previous prison courses had failed to curb his urges, leaving him feeling helpless against his compulsions.
During the search, officers discovered nearly 400 images on the tablet, many of which were of a highly disturbing nature. Richards’s criminal record is extensive, with six convictions for a total of 34 offences related to child exploitation and indecent images. His prior convictions include a three-year prison sentence in 2013 for distributing indecent images, an 18-month sentence in 2015 for breaching a sexual offences prevention order, and a 12-month sentence in April of the previous year for making indecent photographs of children. Despite these previous sentences, Richards continued to offend, demonstrating a troubling pattern of behavior.
At Warwick Crown Court, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC sentenced Richards to two years and four months in prison. The judge emphasized the severity of Richards’s record, describing it as “utterly appalling,” and pointed out that Richards had made full admissions during police interviews, openly acknowledging his inability to control his urges. The court also ordered Richards to register as a sex offender for ten years, although this is largely a formality given that he is already required to register for life due to his extensive criminal history. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in managing and rehabilitating repeat offenders involved in child exploitation crimes.