MICHAEL WATERS FROM WESTCLIFF FACES JAIL OVER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN SOUTHEND

In a case that has shocked the community of Westcliff and the surrounding areas, Michael Waters, a 32-year-old computer technician residing on Burdett Avenue in Westcliff, is facing serious criminal charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The allegations, which date back to January 1996, involve Waters storing approximately 2,000 illicit images of babies and minors on his personal computer, a revelation that has sent ripples through the local community and law enforcement agencies alike.

Waters, who used the online pseudonym 'Spike,' was also accused of uploading obscene photographs and video clips to a website. These images were exchanged with other individuals who shared similar disturbing interests, highlighting a network of online activity centered around the exploitation of children. The case was brought before Southend Crown Court, where Waters pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possessing indecent images, advertising such material, and creating such images of children.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Waters had not engaged in any direct contact with children nor was there any evidence suggesting he solicited or encouraged minors to produce such images. Jacqueline Carey, representing Waters, emphasized that her client had not collected these images for financial gain and was not involved in any direct abuse of children. She stated, "There is no suggestion that he has asked people to take indecent pictures on his part."

Despite his guilty plea, Waters' sentencing was postponed as the court was not yet in possession of all necessary documentation. Judge Frank Lockhart adjourned the case until the following month, with a tentative date set for January 25. Law enforcement officials, including Detective Sergeant Stuart Smith of Rayleigh's child protection unit, expressed their intent to see Waters sentenced promptly and to ensure he complies with the legal requirements, including registration as a sex offender for life.

It was also disclosed that Waters, who had previously been employed in the tech industry, lost his job due to the publicity surrounding his case. The court heard that Waters had been involved in the distribution and creation of indecent images, which contributed to the demand for such material and perpetuated the cycle of exploitation. Judge Lockhart sentenced Waters to three years in prison for each of the four charges, with the sentences to run concurrently. The judge also made it clear that Waters was not to work with children in any capacity and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the severity of the crime and the community's concern over such offenses.