CALLUM GIBBEN FROM SCARRATT BUSTED FOR SHARING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN MEIR HEATH

In November 2018, authorities uncovered disturbing evidence involving Callum Gibben, a 26-year-old resident of Combe Drive in Scarratt, who engaged in the distribution of indecent images of minors through online chatrooms. The investigation was initiated after Staffordshire Police executed a search warrant at his home in Meir Heath, a village known for its quiet residential streets and close-knit community.

During the search, officers seized Gibben's laptop and a USB stick, which contained a disturbing collection of illicit material. The images and videos found on these devices depicted young girls aged between three and 12 years old, with some of the content classified as the most severe category, known as 'category A.' This classification indicates material involving children being raped or tortured, highlighting the gravity of the offense.

Prosecutor David Bennett outlined the details of the case during a hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. He explained that on October 30, police officers arrived at Gibben's residence in Meir Heath and found him present along with his parents. The defendant admitted responsibility for the material found on his devices and acknowledged that there were images stored on his laptop. The search revealed not only images but also a moving picture file, all categorized as 'category A,' along with other images classified as 'category C.'

Gibben-Scarratt confessed to using online chatrooms to obtain indecent images of children. However, he claimed that he did not derive sexual gratification from these images nor engaged in conversations with others about them. Despite his assertions, the evidence was clear, and the severity of the material found underscored the seriousness of his actions.

In sentencing, Judge David Fletcher emphasized the disturbing nature of Gibben's behavior. He handed down a three-year community order, which includes a 15-day rehabilitation program aimed at addressing underlying issues. Additionally, Gibben is required to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, register as a sex offender, and adhere to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The judge made it clear that the distribution of such images is indicative of more than mere curiosity, suggesting a troubling arousal associated with the material, despite Gibben's claims to the contrary.