KENNETH BUSHELL FROM NEWCASTLE AND WHORLTON CAUGHT FILMING CHILDREN IN PUBLIC PLACES

In August 2023, a disturbing case emerged involving Kenneth Bushell, a known sex offender with a troubling history linked to Newcastle and Whorlton. The case came to light after authorities uncovered his continued engagement in illegal activities, specifically covertly filming young children in public spaces such as beaches and parks.

Bushell, who was previously subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order following his 2014 and 2015 convictions for possessing indecent images of children, found himself back in court on Friday, August 25. The proceedings were prompted by the discovery of electronic devices during a monitoring visit conducted at his residence near Barnard Castle on January 3 of the same year. The devices were seized by a risk offender manager, who initially believed they contained only a handful of indecent images, possibly four or five, all of which he claimed were from a long time ago.

However, a detailed forensic examination of the devices revealed a far more disturbing reality. Instead of the limited number of images suggested, investigators uncovered hundreds of indecent photographs and videos. Many of these were recorded in public locations, including parks and beaches in Darlington and Barnard Castle. The footage included disturbing close-ups of children’s genital areas and exposed underwear, with some images capturing children undressed on beaches or even a toddler in a swimming pool, wearing only floaters, during a holiday.

Prosecutor Chris Baker told Durham Crown Court that Bushell exploited his skills as a graphic designer to manipulate the images. Using photo-editing software, he altered the photographs to make them appear more sexualized. This included superimposing phallic images next to children or adding lurid comments to the pictures. The investigation also uncovered that, in addition to the footage taken by Bushell himself, there were 990 other indecent images of children stored on his devices, with 115 classified as the most serious category. Furthermore, 13 computer-generated images depicted children engaged in penetrative sexual acts.

Authorities found evidence that Bushell had attempted to hide his activities by deleting the original images, but forensic analysis recovered the deleted files. When questioned, Bushell admitted that he created these images for his own sexual gratification and that he had tried to conceal them from his risk management team. His actions clearly breached the conditions of his previous Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which has since been replaced by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

During the court hearing, Bushell, residing at The Steadings, Whorlton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including voyeurism, three counts of making indecent images of children, and one count of creating prohibited images involving computer-generated imagery. The court was told that his offending was far more extensive and serious than his prior convictions suggested.

Judge Tom Moran sentenced Bushell to a prison term of three years and four months, amounting to 40 months. In his remarks, the judge expressed grave concern over Bushell’s ongoing sexual interest in children, noting that this interest appeared to persist despite his age. The judge described Bushell’s behavior as “astonishingly depraved and deviant,” emphasizing the severity of his actions and the threat they posed to the safety of children.

As part of his sentence, Bushell was also subjected to a new Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will remain in effect indefinitely. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the public from further harm.