MIDDLESBROUGH MAN WASIM BUTT SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN TEESSIDE

In a serious case that has shocked the Middlesbrough community, Wasim Butt, a 23-year-old resident of Middlesbrough, was found guilty of possessing and viewing indecent images of children. The incident came to light after police executed a search warrant at his residence, revealing a disturbing collection of illegal material stored on his computer.

During the investigation, Butt admitted to officers that he had been downloading and viewing such material for several years. When questioned about the nature of the content, he confirmed that he had downloaded a variety of indecent images and videos from the Internet, including child pornography. The police discovered that Butt had stored eight indecent movies featuring children aged between four and sixteen. Among these, one was classified at the most severe Level 5, indicating the most serious form of such material. The remaining videos were categorized at Level 4, and further examination of his computer showed that Butt had deleted some similar files, suggesting an attempt to conceal his activities.

Additionally, evidence indicated that Butt had been actively engaging in online chat sites, where he discussed and shared sexual material involving minors. Prosecutor Harry Hadfield highlighted that Butt had been accessing this type of content regularly, and the fact that he stored a collection of such images added an aggravating factor to his case.

During the court proceedings, Butt’s defense lawyer, Dan Cordey, emphasized that his client was a man of previously good character. He pointed out that Butt had made an immediate confession when police arrived at his home on December 21, 2010. Cordey argued that Butt recognized the destructive path he was on and expressed a desire to seek help. While acknowledging the seriousness of the offenses, the defense requested that the court consider suspending any custodial sentence, citing the potential for rehabilitation.

Judge Tony Briggs addressed the court with a stern warning about the dangers of viewing such material. He stated, “The problem with individuals who access images of this sort in the privacy of their own homes is that behind these viewings lies the abuse of young children, and it has a profound impact on those who are subjected to it.”

As a result of his guilty plea to eight counts of making indecent photographs of children, Butt was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge also imposed conditions including supervision, participation in a sex offender’s program, and a prohibition from engaging in any work that involves contact with children. Furthermore, Butt was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and the importance of strict legal measures to protect vulnerable minors in Middlesbrough and beyond.