TOM AFFLECK FROM STANLEY FACES PRISON AFTER COVERTLY FILMING GIRL IN PRIVATE

In January 2014, a serious case involving a resident of Stanley, County Durham, came to light when Tom Affleck, aged 32, was brought before Durham Crown Court to face charges related to the covert filming of a young girl in private settings. The incident has sparked concern and highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding privacy violations and child protection.

Affleck pleaded guilty to three counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child, a charge that underscores the gravity of his actions. The court was informed that his admission was based on the fact that he derived sexual gratification from viewing the recorded footage, which he had secretly captured without the girl’s knowledge or consent. This revelation has caused significant alarm among community members and authorities alike.

During the proceedings, Lee Fish, representing Affleck, acknowledged the defendant’s admitted attraction to the young girl involved. He stated, “The defendant accepts there’s an attraction to this young lady. I would struggle to persuade a court that there wasn’t any sexual element to it.” Fish emphasized that Affleck’s plea was made honestly and at the earliest opportunity, suggesting that there might be alternatives to immediate imprisonment. He also pointed out that Affleck had not been convicted of any criminal offense since 2001, which he argued should be considered when determining the appropriate sentence.

Judge Christopher Prince, after hearing the case, agreed to request a background report from the Probation Service to better understand Affleck’s circumstances before sentencing. The judge issued a stern warning to the defendant, stating, “You will return for sentence next month and I’m warning you to expect a custodial sentence. So, put your affairs in order before you return. Your name will be entered onto the Sex Offenders’ Register from today.”

Prosecutor Shaun Dryden provided additional details about the evidence, revealing that all images captured by Affleck had been deleted, some by the defendant himself. This act of deleting evidence was noted during the proceedings, but it did not diminish the seriousness of the charges.

Affleck, who resides on Blooms Avenue in Stanley, was granted bail and scheduled to return to court on February 7 for sentencing. The prosecution indicated that a further count of voyeurism would be left on the file, meaning it could be considered in future proceedings or sentencing decisions. The case has left the local community deeply concerned about the safety and privacy of children and highlights the importance of vigilance and strict legal action against such offenses.