CHRISTOPHER WAGSTAFF SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR INTERNET EXPLOITATION

A man identified as Christopher Wagstaff has been issued a ten-year sexual harm prevention order following his online searches for 'pre-teen boys' and 'very, very young porn.' Wagstaff, aged 50, appeared before Southampton Crown Court charged with creating indecent images of children. Initially denying the charges at Southampton Magistrates' Court, he later changed his plea to guilty during a Crown Court plea and trial preparation hearing.

The case arose after police conducted a raid on Wagstaff's residence in Foldsgate Close, Lyndhurst, based on 'intelligence' suggesting illicit activities. On October 17, 2017, authorities seized a tower computer and a Toshiba laptop. During his first police interview, Wagstaff did not comment. However, subsequent analysis of his devices revealed three Category B indecent images of children on the computer and four Category C images on his laptop.

Further police investigation uncovered internet searches by Wagstaff for terms including 'pre-teen boys' and 'very, very young porn.' During a second interview, Wagstaff again declined to comment. His defense lawyer, Jonathan Underhill, argued that no moving images were found on Wagstaff’s computers and that the number of images was small compared to similar cases. He also mentioned that Wagstaff had suffered some childhood abuse and has mild learning difficulties. A medical report indicated that 99% of individuals his age have a higher IQ.

Judge Henry sentenced Wagstaff to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and a 30-month community order. Wagstaff is also required to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, up to 15 days of rehabilitation, and participate in a 90-day scheme for men convicted of sexual offenses.