LEE WANGER TUNSTALL COUNCILLOR GUILTY OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In January 2005, a significant and troubling development emerged within the political landscape of Stoke-on-Trent, specifically concerning a member of the local council representing the Tunstall area. Councillor Lee Wanger, a resident of Ladywell Road in Tunstall, was convicted on serious charges related to child pornography. The case drew considerable attention as it involved allegations of encouraging the dissemination of illegal material via the internet.

The incident unfolded when Wanger was found to have logged onto a website that was under police investigation. Although authorities did not discover any indecent images directly on his computer, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of inciting others to distribute indecent photographs of children. The timeframe of the offense was established between June 1 and July 31, 1999.

The legal proceedings culminated at Derby Crown Court, where Wanger was sentenced to a fine of £250 and was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The conviction has sparked a debate within the local political community, especially among members of the Independent group on Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The group is now faced with the difficult task of determining Wanger’s future role within the council.

Brian Ward, a fellow member of the Independent group, publicly expressed concern over the situation. He acknowledged Wanger’s contributions to the Tunstall community but emphasized that the legal verdict has placed the group in a challenging position. Ward stated, “He is a hard worker in the Tunstall area, but as far as a group member goes it is different. The guilty verdict puts us in an untenable position really anyway.”

The group is scheduled to convene later this week to discuss the implications of Wanger’s conviction and to seek legal advice on how to proceed. The case has raised questions about the standards and responsibilities of elected officials, especially in light of the serious nature of the charges and the impact on public trust in local government.