KEITH RICHARDS AND STUART JOHNSON FROM SALTBURN AND THORNABY ESCAPE PRISON IN CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a recent development at Teesside Crown Court, two men involved in disturbing online activities related to child abuse have avoided immediate imprisonment, though they face significant legal restrictions and orders. Keith Richards, aged 39, from Master Road in Thornaby, and Stuart Johnson, also known as Steven Mallett, aged 48, of Marine Court in Saltburn, appeared before the court to be sentenced for their roles in the creation and distribution of indecent images of children, as well as engaging in graphic online conversations.

Richards pleaded guilty to a total of nine offences, which included seven charges of distributing indecent images and two charges of making such images. His actions, as admitted in court, involved the creation and dissemination of highly inappropriate and illegal material involving minors. Johnson, on the other hand, admitted to three charges of making indecent images, three of distributing them, and two counts of voyeurism. It was alleged that Johnson had observed two women for sexual gratification in Redcar between January and March of the previous year, adding a layer of disturbing voyeuristic behavior to his charges.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Emma Atkinson highlighted that the conversations between the two men took place via a messaging application, with the content described as “graphic to say the least.” The nature of their online exchanges and the sharing of illicit images prompted serious concern from the court. Both men appeared for sentencing on a Friday, with the judge, Peter Armstrong, delivering a sentence that, while not immediate imprisonment, imposed strict conditions and long-term restrictions.

Specifically, each man received a 16-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. As part of their rehabilitation, they are required to participate in a sex offender treatment program and undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activity. Additionally, they were both issued with sexual harm prevention orders and will be registered as sex offenders for a period of ten years. Johnson, who resides at Marine Court in Saltburn, was also subjected to an indefinite restraining order and ordered to pay costs amounting to £500. Richards, from Master Road in Thornaby, was ordered to pay £440 in costs.

Earlier in January 2019, similar charges had been brought against the two men, with Richards appearing in court to admit to nine offences, and Johnson admitting to multiple charges including voyeurism. The court had been told that the conversations between the two involved highly graphic content, raising concerns about their potential joint activity. It was suggested that Richards could be sentenced separately, but ultimately, the judge decided to sentence both men together, citing the seriousness of their actions and the potential for significant penalties.

Both Richards and Johnson are scheduled for further sentencing on February 15. Richards was released on bail with the condition that he must not contact Johnson, who remains under restrictions at Marine Court in Saltburn. The case continues to draw attention to the ongoing issues surrounding online child exploitation and the importance of stringent legal measures to combat such crimes.