WARWICK BROOKS FROM HERSTMONCEUX AND WORTHING SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a significant case that has shocked the local communities of Herstmonceux and Worthing, Warwick Brooks, a 42-year-old man, has been handed a prison sentence of seven and a half years following his conviction for serious sexual offences involving a child, as well as possession of a large collection of indecent images of children.

Back in March 2015, authorities from the National Crime Agency (NCA) attempted to execute a warrant at Brooks’s rented residence in Herstmonceux, East Sussex. The officers arrived at the property and observed Brooks in the conservatory at the back of the house. When law enforcement officials identified themselves, Brooks attempted to evade arrest by running away from the scene. Despite his escape attempt, officers managed to force entry into the home and located him upstairs. During the subsequent arrest, Brooks was found to be attempting to conceal a laptop under his bed.

Law enforcement officials seized multiple electronic devices, including the laptop, mobile phones, a tablet, USB drives, and external hard drives. Forensic analysis of these devices uncovered disturbing evidence: Brooks had taken photographs of himself engaging in sexual activities with a child. The investigation also revealed that he had over 3,000 indecent images of children stored across five different electronic devices. These images included some classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe level of child abuse material. Additionally, Brooks was found to have used specialized software to hide and permanently delete data, making the investigation more challenging.

Among the material recovered was a laptop that Brooks had attempted to hide under his bed. Law enforcement officials found a laptop containing images and videos of child abuse, including photographs of Brooks himself abusing a child. The forensic examination confirmed the disturbing nature of his activities and revealed that he had been actively searching the dark web for more abuse images.

During police interviews, Brooks initially denied possessing any indecent images of children. He also provided a written statement in which he admitted to possessing herbal cannabis but refused to answer questions regarding the child abuse allegations, responding with a simple “no comment.” He was interviewed again in March 2016, maintaining his denial of the offences, according to the NCA.

However, on February 3 of this year, Brooks finally admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 13. He also pleaded guilty to seven counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing cannabis. His sentencing took place at Hove Crown Court on Friday, March 3. The presiding judge increased the initial sentence of four and a half years by an additional three years, citing Brooks’s dangerousness to the public. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to society.