MICHAEL WOOD FROM BATH CAUGHT WITH ILLEGAL IMAGES OF CHILDREN IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bath, Michael Gareth Wood, aged 60, is facing serious legal consequences after being found in possession of indecent images and videos depicting children younger than 11 years old.The case was brought before Bath Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 17, where Wood pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Wood's actions were driven by an uncontrollable impulse.
According to the prosecution, Jane Cooper, Wood would often masturbate before deleting the illegal material from his devices, indicating a compulsive pattern of behavior.
The court was informed that authorities linked Wood to an IP address involved in distributing such illicit images, which led to a police investigation.
In September 2017, law enforcement officers executed a warrant at Wood’s residence located on Coxley Drive in Larkhall, Bath.
During the search, they confiscated multiple electronic devices, including two computer towers and a laptop.
These devices were subsequently examined by the Avon and Somerset Police High Tech Crime Unit, where disturbing evidence was uncovered.
The investigation revealed the presence of one Category A indecent image, which involved penetrative sexual activity with a child, along with four videos.
Additionally, two images and a video fell into Category B, depicting non-penetrative sexual acts, and there were 38 images and a video classified as Category C, representing less serious indecent images.
Further investigation showed that Wood utilized peer-to-peer (P2P) networks to share and access these illegal files.
Searches conducted on his devices included terms such as “pre-teen model” and “pre-teen model Philippines,” indicating a disturbing interest in underage children.
On April 17, Wood was interviewed at the Keynsham police station without legal representation.
During the interview, he admitted to downloading the movies and images, acknowledging that he knew his actions were wrong but was often unable to resist the impulse.
Ms Cooper stated that Wood had been engaging in this behavior since 2006.
He would typically view the material during the night when alone, masturbate while doing so, and then delete the files and the sharing program from his devices to cover his tracks.
It was also disclosed that Wood was married at the age of 29, and he and his wife, who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, remained together for ten years.
Notably, Wood had no prior criminal convictions before this case.
The magistrates ordered a probation service interview before sentencing and decided to adjourn the hearing until November 7.
Wood was released on unconditional bail, but the magistrates indicated that custody was the most probable outcome when the case is finally sentenced, reflecting the severity of his offenses and the impact on the community of Bath.
