HEXHAM MAN BARRY KADLECK FOUND DEAD BEFORE SENTENCING FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN TEESSIDE

In a tragic turn of events, Barry Kadleck, a 61-year-old former government computer specialist and magistrate from Hexham, Northumberland, was discovered dead at his residence just one day prior to his scheduled court appearance in Teesside. The circumstances surrounding his death are believed to be a suicide, and police confirmed that there was no indication of third-party involvement.

Last month, Kadleck pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and creating a collection of approximately 4,000 indecent images of children. The court was prepared to hear details of his disturbing fixation on young girls around the age of eight, as well as the extent of his illegal collection, which included harrowing photographs depicting children being sexually assaulted. The court documents revealed that Kadleck had been fixated on these images for over seven years, during which he admitted to both viewing and accumulating them.

Authorities uncovered the extensive collection of illicit material stored across multiple devices, including his mobile phone, laptop, and other storage units found within his home. Kadleck, who was a separated father of three, expressed a sense of resignation when questioned by police, stating, “I have been expecting it for some time, and it’s no more than I deserve.”

His arrest occurred last year while he was at work, and he was subsequently charged with serious offenses related to child exploitation images. The investigation revealed that he worked for the government on secret IT contracts in Dubai and had also served as a magistrate in Newcastle. His professional background included over two decades at IBM as a senior systems specialist, and he was involved in the technology team for the 2012 London Olympics. Additionally, he volunteered as a driver for a charity based in Hexham and most recently held a senior managerial position at STME Ltd, a prominent IT solutions provider in the Middle East.

Following his arrest in March of the previous year, Kadleck resigned from his roles as a magistrate and a supermarket delivery driver. His wife resided in North Tyneside. The case, which was being heard at Teesside Crown Court due to his connections with courts on Tyneside, was scheduled for sentencing this past Friday. However, with his death, the proceedings are expected to be discontinued, and the case will not proceed further.

Northumbria Police issued a statement regarding the incident, saying, “Police received a report at approximately 12.30pm on Thursday expressing concern for a man at an address in Hexham. Officers attended the scene, and paramedics were already working on a 61-year-old man. Sadly, he was later confirmed dead. It is believed that there was no third-party involvement, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”

As the community mourns the loss of a man with a complex and troubling history, the case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children from harm.