JAMES WAKELING FROM BILLERICAY ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE VIEWING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES NEAR BASILDON

In a case that has drawn significant attention, James Wakeling, a 60-year-old resident of Billericay, was brought before Basildon Crown Court in May 2017 to face charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The proceedings revealed disturbing details about his actions, which took place during a particularly difficult period in his life.

According to the prosecution, Wakeling was arrested on September 27, 2016, at his residence on Bunting Lane, Billericay, after police responded to suspicions regarding his possession of illegal images. During the arrest, officers allowed him to dress before taking him to the police station, where he voluntarily led them to the digital devices in his possession. Authorities seized two computer towers and a laptop, which contained a significant collection of illicit material.

Analysis of the devices uncovered a disturbing array of images, including 36 from the most severe Category A, 24 from Category B, and 64 from Category C. The images predominantly depicted children aged between eight and twelve years old, with some younger and some older. Search terms used by Wakeling, such as 'eight-year-old,' 'pre-teen upskirt,' and 'paedo upskirt,' further underscored the disturbing nature of his online activity. Despite the evidence, Wakeling claimed he did not have an attraction to children and admitted to the content found on his devices.

During the court hearing, defense lawyer Ian Clift highlighted the personal hardships faced by Wakeling, notably the recent death of his wife of thirty years from cancer. Clift explained that these tragic circumstances led Wakeling to seek solace online, attempting to provoke an emotional response. The lawyer emphasized that Wakeling had no prior convictions, cooperated fully with police, and promptly pleaded guilty, which he argued should be considered as mitigating factors.

Clift detailed the emotional toll on Wakeling, who had lost his wife, his job, and later his father in a tragic road accident. The lawyer also revealed that Wakeling planned to relocate to Cornwall to care for his elderly mother, who is in her nineties. He acknowledged that his client recognized the gravity of his actions and expressed remorse, describing his own behavior as stemming from 'stupidity.'

Judge David Pugh, presiding over the case, addressed the court with a stern reminder of the seriousness of crimes involving child exploitation. He stated, 'In relation to the children, it is important to note that these are not victimless crimes. Any child who is in those images has been abused, and it is people like you that access these images that help that sort of abuse.'

Considering Wakeling’s guilty plea and the circumstances, the judge sentenced him to a 24-month community order. He was also subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 60 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, Wakeling was ordered to pay £425 in prosecution costs. The court authorized the seizure of the two computer towers but allowed him to retain his laptop, as it was used solely for searching for indecent images and not for storing them, based on arguments presented by his legal counsel.