GARETH LITTLER FROM CLAYTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Gareth Littler, a married man residing in Clayton, has been exposed as possessing and viewing explicit images and videos involving children. The incident came to light in July 2023, when police investigations uncovered evidence of his involvement in downloading and storing highly disturbing material.

According to court reports, authorities traced Littler’s IP address, which was linked to the illegal content. The police action was swift; officers arrived at his residence on Mansfield Close in Clayton just after 5 pm on September 8 of the previous year. During the raid, Littler was detained, and two electronic devices were seized for further examination.

The investigation revealed that Littler’s Samsung mobile phone contained multiple illegal images and videos. Specifically, officers discovered three videos classified as Category A, which depicted children being subjected to rape or torture. In addition, there were several images categorized as illegal, as well as other images that, while not unlawful, indicated a disturbing interest in the sexual abuse of minors. The images and videos had been downloaded on two separate dates, April 18 and July 29.

Prosecutor Chris O’Gorman detailed the findings in court, stating, “All of the illegal content was found on a Samsung mobile phone. The videos showed children as young as six years old being raped or tortured. The images included children as young as six, and some of the material was inaccessible but clearly indicated an interest in the sexual abuse of minors.”

During police interviews, Littler chose to answer “no comment,” despite the evidence against him. It was also noted that he has no previous criminal convictions. Littler, aged 33, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.

In sentencing, Judge Sally Hancox emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “You are like so many others who find yourself before this court because police officers came to your home. There were children aged around six years old involved in the material you possessed.”

As part of his punishment, Littler was sentenced to a 24-month community order and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. The case has left many in the community deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of children, and it underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement in tackling such heinous crimes.