MARTYN AKROYD FROM RASTRICK ADMITS TO INDECENT IMAGE CHARGES IN BRADFORD

In December 2012, Martyn David Akroyd, a 40-year-old resident of Arnold Royd, Rastrick, pleaded guilty to charges related to indecent images of children. A trial was scheduled at Bradford Crown Court, but the prosecution accepted his plea to 11 counts of making indecent photographs of children.

It was revealed that Akroyd's computer contained 88 indecent images. His barrister, Sophie Drake, explained that Akroyd had searched for 'young teens' out of curiosity but did not anticipate the images to be so explicit when he visited a website. Akroyd stated that the illicit activity occurred over a four-minute period and that he had engaged in such behavior only once.

The offences were committed in April 2010. Akroyd, who had no prior convictions, was told by Judge Colin Burn that sentencing would be adjourned until January 10 to allow for a probation report to be prepared. Judge Burn acknowledged that Akroyd had wisely pleaded guilty.

Although the starting point for these offences is typically a short custodial sentence, the judge indicated that he would consider whether such a sentence could be suspended in Akroyd’s case. Akroyd was granted unconditional bail until his sentencing and was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police.