DANIEL WHITE CAUGHT IN DROITWICH SPA FOR ILLEGAL CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY

In October 2008, a disturbing incident unfolded in Droitwich Spa involving Daniel White, a 26-year-old man whose actions have raised serious concerns about child safety and legal boundaries. White was found to have taken a photograph of a young boy in a public restroom, an act that has sparked outrage and prompted legal action.

According to reports, the incident occurred at the Salters shopping centre in Droitwich Spa, where White was observed standing next to a seven-year-old boy at the urinal. Without warning, White pulled out his mobile phone, activated the camera flash, and took a picture of the child in a compromising situation. The young victim’s elder brother, witnessing the act, immediately confronted White, who appeared visibly flustered and uncomfortable. The situation escalated quickly, and with the assistance of an adult and a security officer present at the scene, White was detained and held until authorities arrived.

Prosecutor Peter Cooke outlined that White, of Hillend, Droitwich, was already under a sexual offences prevention order at the time of the incident. This order was specifically designed to prevent him from taking photographs of children without explicit permission. The order was put in place following previous offenses, including a conviction for taking a picture of another seven-year-old boy’s private parts. Despite this, White committed the new offense, breaching the terms of the order.

During the court proceedings at Worcester Crown Court, White pleaded guilty to charges of taking an indecent photograph of a child and violating the existing prevention order. The court was informed that White, who has learning difficulties, was aware of the seriousness of his actions but continued to offend. Judge Richard Rundell, addressing White directly, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He warned that this was White’s final warning and that a lengthy prison sentence could be imminent if he reoffended. The judge remarked, “You have got a problem, but I think you are sufficiently intelligent enough to realize that. This nonsense has got to stop.”

As part of his sentencing, White was handed a three-year community order, which includes a requirement for mental health treatment. The court also reaffirmed the indefinite nature of the existing prevention order, which prohibits White from taking photographs of children without permission. Additionally, White is required to register as a sex offender for five years and is permitted to live at home with his family.

The incident took place just nine days after the prevention order was issued, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by White. On the way to Worcester police station following his arrest, White made a disturbing comment to officers, stating, “If I ain’t got no picture you can’t do me for this.”

White’s criminal history includes a conviction for indecent assault on a 14-year-old boy in 1998 and two convictions for gross indecency with a minor in subsequent years. During the investigation, White deleted the photograph in the confusion, but technical experts were able to recover the image, which confirmed his guilt. Defense lawyer Richard Bond acknowledged that White’s understanding of the severity of his actions was limited due to his learning difficulties. Bond also noted that White was now receiving psychiatric support and was on medication to address his behavior.

Overall, the case underscores the ongoing challenges in managing offenders with learning difficulties and the importance of strict legal measures to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and harm.