CHRISTOPHER GOJKA FROM NEWCHAPEL SENTENCED FOR NEARLY 12,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
In August 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Christopher Gojka, a 62-year-old resident of Newchapel, who was found to possess an alarming collection of child abuse images on his personal computer.The investigation began when police executed a search warrant at Gojka's home in Newchapel on October 26 of the previous year.
Although Gojka was not present at his residence during the raid, his wife and son were there.
Officers seized a computer tower from the living room, which later proved to contain a vast number of illicit images.
Following the search, authorities tracked down Gojka at his place of employment.
During questioning, he appeared to have anticipated the police visit and acknowledged knowing the reason for their presence.
He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody at the police station.
The forensic analysis of the seized computer revealed a shocking collection of nearly 12,000 indecent images and videos depicting children, categorized into different severity levels.
Specifically, police identified 362 images and videos classified as Category A, the most serious, along with 340 in Category B, and a staggering 11,187 in Category C.
Prosecutor Clare Thomas detailed the findings in court, stating, “A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s home address on October 26 last year.
He wasn’t present but his wife and son were.
Computer equipment was seized from the living room.
The defendant was located at his place of work.
He indicated he knew why officers had gone to his home address.” Further investigations revealed that Gojka had made full admissions during police interviews, admitting to accessing and downloading these images over an extended period.
He admitted to using various search terms related to pre-teen children to locate the illicit material.
The court heard that Gojka, of Pennyfields Road in Newchapel, pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs of children.
Gojka’s criminal history was also discussed, revealing three previous convictions for unrelated offences, which were described as being of some age.
The case was presided over by Recorder Andrew Easteal at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
The judge sentenced Gojka to eight months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time immediately but would be under supervision during this period.
In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Easteal emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “What you need to understand is the people responsible for these hideous acts against children include you.
Everybody that chooses to download these images feeds the market, creates that incentive for people without conscience or care who would exploit and abuse children to make money.” Despite the severity of the crimes, the judge acknowledged Gojka’s immediate guilty plea and his full admissions, as well as a noted attempt on his own life, which appeared to be a genuine effort.
As part of his sentence, Gojka was ordered to complete a specialized programme aimed at addressing sexual offending behavior.
Additionally, he was subjected to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), restricting his access to children and his use of the internet.
Gojka will also be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
