IAN FAULKNER FROM DARLASTON CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 2000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Darlaston and the wider West Midlands area, Ian Faulkner, a 45-year-old managing director, was found to be in possession of nearly 2,000 indecent images of children. The revelation came after a series of events that began with a cyber security breach involving a UK-based website in March 2010.

According to court proceedings, the website was hacked, and child pornography was uploaded onto it. The images remained accessible for approximately 18 hours, during which time multiple individuals, including Faulkner, viewed the illicit content. Law enforcement authorities traced the activity back to Faulkner’s residence on Rough Hay Road in Darlaston in August 2012, nearly two years after the initial breach.

During the investigation, officers seized a computer and a laptop from Faulkner’s home. Although the images had been deleted, forensic experts determined that they had been stored in a location requiring specialized access, indicating an attempt to conceal the material. The police interview with Faulkner revealed that he had viewed the images and that he did so out of what he described as ‘morbid curiosity.’

Prosecutor Mr. David Lees outlined the severity of the case, stating, “Officers seized a computer and a laptop from the property. They found evidence of the images but they had been deleted and they had been stored in a location that would require expert access. They weren’t saved in a typical manner. The defendant was interviewed and made full admissions that he had viewed the images.”

Faulkner’s defense lawyer, Mr. David Bratt, expressed remorse on his client’s behalf, emphasizing that Faulkner was “appalled and generally ashamed at his actions.” He added that Faulkner acknowledged the presence of two victims—the children depicted in the images and his own family. The defense also highlighted Faulkner’s cooperation with police and his decision to step down from his role as managing director to prevent further embarrassment to his company.

Faulkner pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing indecent images of children, which spanned from 2008 to 2012. He also admitted to possessing extreme and graphic pornography. The court, presided over by Judge Amjad Nawaz, sentenced Faulkner to a three-year community order. As part of his sentence, Faulkner is required to complete a community sex offenders’ work program and must register on the sex offenders’ list for the next five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the community.