GARY POWNER FROM TALKE PITS CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Talke Pits, Gary Powner was apprehended after leaving his mobile phone at his workplace, which subsequently led to the discovery of highly disturbing content. A colleague, upon noticing the phone unattended, took the initiative to examine it in an attempt to identify its owner. During this inspection, the colleague uncovered several indecent images depicting children, which prompted immediate concern and action.

Realizing the severity of the situation, the colleague handed the phone over to the line manager, who then reported the matter to the police authorities. The police swiftly responded, and on July 28 of the previous year, they arrested Powner, aged 45, of Old Hill Close, Talke Pits. An expert analysis of the device revealed that it contained a total of 40 indecent images, including both photographs and videos, spread across various levels of severity.

The images were categorized into different levels based on their explicit content. There were eight images at the lowest level, with one being a video. Two images fell into the second level, while 13 were classified as level three. The most disturbing were 17 images at level four, of which four were moving images, indicating videos. The content involved children as young as four years old and as old as 13, with both young girls and boys depicted in the material.

During police interviews, Powner admitted that he had received these images from an individual named Les, with whom he had been communicating. Initially, he was receiving adult pornography, but over time, the material shifted to include indecent images of children. Powner pleaded guilty to six charges related to the possession of these indecent images of children.

Legal representatives for Powner, Anis Ali, acknowledged that the offense had resulted in the loss of his employment, though he has since secured a new job. The court heard that Powner’s colleagues were deeply horrified upon discovering the nature of the images, emphasizing the disturbing reality that these were not fabricated or mannequin images but real children who had been exploited.

Judge David Fletcher addressed the court, condemning the severity of the offense. He stated, “Some of the images were of a disturbing nature involving children as young as four. These are not mannequins, these were real children who had been abused to allow those photos to be taken. The only reason was to satisfy people like you. You are responsible for that, short of child exploitation.”

In sentencing, Judge Fletcher imposed a three-year community order on Powner, which includes a requirement to complete an internet sex offenders’ program. Additionally, Powner will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for five years and is ordered to pay costs amounting to £600. The judge emphasized that the public’s safety and the need for rehabilitation are paramount, stating, “The public interest is best served by trying to work with the reasons why you did this in the first place.”