JASON HEWITT OF TRENT VALE ESCAPES PRISON AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In October 2011, Jason Hewitt, a 22-year-old resident of Trent Vale, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving the possession of indecent images of children. The case unfolded after police executed a search warrant at Hewitt's family home on Pear Tree Avenue in Trent Vale on January 24. During the search, officers seized a laptop from the bedroom floor, which was subsequently examined by forensic experts.

The analysis revealed that the device contained a disturbing collection of digital material, including both still images and videos. Specifically, there were 15 movies in total, categorized on a severity scale from level one to level four, with two at the least serious level one, ten at level two, and three at level four, which is considered the most severe. Additionally, the laptop held a significant number of still images: 405 at level one, 22 at level two, 44 at level three, and 16 at level four. These images and videos were created between October 2009 and November 2010, indicating a period of ongoing activity.

Prosecutor Fiona Cortese provided details to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, stating that the images depicted girls aged between 11 and 16 years old. Hewitt was arrested on March 7 and was questioned by police, during which he chose to answer all questions with silence, answering no comment to all inquiries. Despite this, Hewitt later admitted to downloading the images but claimed he was unaware of their content. He acknowledged that he had downloaded the files onto his computer and confirmed that he had not deleted them. Hewitt denied intentionally seeking out child pornography, asserting that he did not deliberately look for such material. However, he later admitted that viewing the images gave him sexual gratification.

Hewitt ultimately pleaded guilty to seven charges of making indecent photographs of a child. During the court proceedings, Heather Drew, representing Hewitt, acknowledged the gravity of the offenses. She noted that Hewitt had found it extremely difficult to come to terms with his actions and expressed uncertainty about why he became involved in such behavior. The court was informed that Hewitt had lost his employment as a consequence of his arrest and charges.

Judge Paul Glenn addressed the court, considering the appropriate sentence. He noted that an immediate prison sentence might result in Hewitt being released after only four or five weeks, which he deemed insufficient given the seriousness of the crimes. Instead, the judge imposed a three-year community order, which includes three years of supervision. Hewitt is required to attend a sex offender group program, complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and pay £300 in prosecution costs. Furthermore, he will be registered as a sex offender for five years.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Glenn emphasized that Hewitt had previously maintained an impeccable record before these offenses. He highlighted the importance of understanding the severity of the matter, stating, “These are real children being abused on the material you were accessing.” The judge clarified that Hewitt did not distribute the material nor was it viewed by anyone else, and expressed confidence that Hewitt was unlikely to reoffend. He concluded by stating, “I do not think you are likely to behave in this way again,” underscoring the importance of rehabilitation and awareness of the harm caused by such actions.