JOHN SMALLMAN FROM NORTON AND STOURBRIDGE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE VIEWING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES
In a case that has shocked the local communities of Norton and Stourbridge, John Smallman, a 54-year-old postman with over two decades of service, was found guilty of possessing and viewing highly disturbing images of child abuse.The incident came to light in November 2013 when police officers responded to a suspicious online advertisement and made a startling discovery at Smallman’s residence.
According to the prosecution, Rhiannon Jones, during the proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court, detailed how Smallman was caught in the act of viewing indecent photographs of children.
The police arrived at his home after he responded to an online ad that advertised DVDs containing child abuse images.
When officers knocked on his door, they observed that Smallman had left his computer running, which allowed them to see the disturbing content he was viewing.
Smallman’s reaction to the police inquiry was revealing.
He admitted that he initially accessed the sites out of curiosity but then admitted to “experimenting” with the material.
He further confessed that his preferred clips involved extremely distressing images, including those depicting a young girl aged around six or seven, and that he derived sexual gratification from watching such material.
During the court proceedings, Andrew Baker, representing Smallman, explained that the severity of his client’s actions had escalated over time, almost becoming a compulsive behavior.
Smallman, who had been employed as a postman in Norton and Stourbridge for 26 years, sat quietly in the dock with his head bowed as the charges were read.
It was revealed that Smallman had downloaded approximately 4,900 images and videos, though he had deleted nearly all of them, leaving only a few remaining.
His cooperation with authorities was noted, as he was described as being brutally frank during police interviews.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Smallman pleaded guilty to 25 counts of making indecent images of children, including some classified at levels four and five, which are considered the most severe categories.
Judge John Warner addressed Smallman directly, emphasizing the seriousness of his misconduct.
“You clearly knew you were doing wrong.
You are hanging your head in shame as indeed you should,” he stated.
However, the judge also acknowledged that incarceration might not be the most effective way to address Smallman’s issues.
Instead, he decided that the appropriate course of action was to place Smallman under supervision for three years, with the condition that he attend the Sex Offenders Programme.
Additionally, Smallman was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next five years and was subjected to an indefinite Sex Offenders Protection Order.
The court also barred him from ever working with children again.
Smallman, who has no previous criminal record, was spared a custodial sentence but was given a strict framework aimed at rehabilitation and public safety.
The case has left residents of Norton and Stourbridge deeply concerned about the presence of such offenders within their communities, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling online child exploitation.
