DANIEL COX FROM STOURPORT CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND FACING SEX OFFENDER ORDERS

In August 2008, Daniel Cox, a resident of Windermere Way in Stourport, was implicated in a disturbing case involving the possession and download of child pornography. The incident came to light after Cox, who was already serving time for attempted robbery, confessed during a psychological assessment that he had downloaded illicit images from his home computer.

Following his admission, law enforcement authorities conducted a search of Cox's residence in Stourport. During the investigation, officers discovered 17 highly disturbing images stored on his computer. These images were described in court as vile and included both photographs and videos depicting children as young as five years old. The material also contained four moving images, further emphasizing the severity of the content.

At Worcester Crown Court, Cox, aged 20, pleaded guilty to eight counts of downloading indecent photographs of children and possession of nine such images. The court heard that Cox had expressed sexual fantasies involving children, which he admitted to a forensic psychologist. These fantasies reportedly included lurid thoughts about kidnapping, weapons, and engaging in sexual acts in public spaces.

During the proceedings, Judge Andrew Geddes addressed Cox’s mental state and potential danger to the public. While acknowledging Cox’s admission of sexual fantasies about children, the judge stated that he did not consider Cox to be an immediate threat. The judge explained that he could not be certain that these fantasies would translate into actual offending behavior, which influenced his decision.

As part of the sentencing, Cox was handed a three-year community order. This order includes a condition that he must participate in a sex offenders’ treatment programme. The order is set to commence once Cox is released from prison, which is scheduled for September 30, after he completes a three-year sentence for three attempted robberies committed at knifepoint.

Prosecutor Kerry Moreton highlighted the disturbing nature of the images, emphasizing that some depicted children as young as five, with four of the images being moving pictures. She also revealed that Cox had admitted to spending time lurking near a middle school, with fantasies involving kidnapping, weapons, and public sexual acts. These revelations raised concerns about the potential risk Cox posed to children.

In response to these concerns, the court considered additional measures. Miss Moreton requested a sexual offences’ prevention order to restrict Cox’s contact with minors, but this was ultimately denied by the judge. Instead, Cox was ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18 and to register as a sex offender for a period of five years.

Judge Geddes commented on the nature of Cox’s actions, describing the images as “horrible and revolting.” He noted that many individuals who view such material do so in isolation and do not act on their fantasies. The judge’s decision reflected a cautious approach, balancing the need for public safety with the recognition that Cox’s fantasies had not yet resulted in physical harm.

Defence lawyer Simon Parry emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying causes of Cox’s behaviour. He pointed out that Cox had spent the last 13 months in custody, and highlighted the need for rehabilitation to prevent future offending.