JAMES ROOKE FROM QUEENSFERRY SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES IN NORTH WALES

In March 2021, a man from Queensferry, James Rooke, aged 72, was sentenced after admitting to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The case was heard at Mold Crown Court, where Rooke appeared to face the consequences of his actions.

Rooke, residing at Church View in Queensferry, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to indecent material. Specifically, he admitted to producing two indecent photographs and one indecent video classified as Category B. Additionally, he acknowledged possessing a staggering total of 1,097 indecent photographs and 59 videos categorized as Category C. Beyond these, Rooke was found to be in possession of 87 prohibited images of children, which is a serious offence under the law.

The prosecution, led by Myles Wilson, detailed that the majority of these images depicted children aged between four and 14 years old. These illicit materials were discovered on Rooke’s personal computer and a hard drive, which were seized during a police raid at his residence in Queensferry in July 2019. The investigation revealed that Rooke had conducted internet searches using anonymous browsers, specifically seeking images and videos, including searches for “images of toddlers.” These searches dated back to 2013, indicating a long-standing pattern of illicit activity.

During police interviews, Rooke initially denied any involvement, claiming that some of the material had “popped up” on his devices without his knowledge. His defense attorney, Simon Killeen, requested that the court impose a community order, arguing that Rooke’s guilty plea should be taken into account and that he should be given a chance to rehabilitate.

However, the presiding judge, David Hale, was unequivocal in his assessment. He stated, “You have undoubtedly been looking for child porn — it’s apparent. It’s nonsense to say it was unintended. It’s absolute lies. The sooner you face up to it, the better.” Judge Hale emphasized that at Rooke’s age, he was not inclined to send him directly to prison but warned that any breach of the court’s order would result in severe consequences.

Consequently, Rooke was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes a 60-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his access to potentially harmful material and situations. Additionally, Rooke was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £95 as part of the court’s sanctions.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and the serious legal repercussions faced by individuals involved in such offences, even at an advanced age.