DAVID WAGSTAFF FROM TALKE SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In July 2016, David Wagstaff, a 27-year-old resident of Talke, was found guilty of possessing indecent images and videos of children. The case came to light after police officers executed a search warrant at his home in Talke, leading to the seizure of his laptop and hard drive. These devices were subsequently examined by authorities, revealing a disturbing collection of illicit material.

The police investigation uncovered a total of four still images and 22 videos depicting children in sexualized contexts. Among these, 15 videos were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency, while the remaining images and videos fell into Categories B and C. The images and videos were downloaded over a period spanning from January 5, 2014, to March 26, 2015, and involved minors aged between six and 14 years old.

During police interviews, Wagstaff fully admitted to the possession of these indecent materials, acknowledging his actions without contest. The case was brought before Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where Judge Paul Glenn presided over the sentencing. Wagstaff was handed a three-year community order, which requires him to participate in a sex offender group work program focused on internet-related offenses, as well as a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Additionally, Wagstaff was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for three years, restricting his access to certain online content and activities. He is also mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The judge emphasized the gravity of Wagstaff’s actions, stating, “I accept you are now disgusted by your behaviour. Your actions would have had a detrimental effect on your family. You present as a somewhat isolated individual who lacks confidence and suffers from low self-esteem. These are real children being abused.”

As part of his sentence, Wagstaff was ordered to pay costs amounting to £250. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in such offenses in the Stoke-on-Trent area.