PETER HARDAKER FROM CASTLEFORD SHAMES WEST YORKSHIRE WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Castleford and the wider West Yorkshire region, Peter Hardaker, a local security worker, has been implicated in the possession and viewing of highly illegal and disturbing images involving child abuse. The incident came to light in January 2019, revealing a pattern of heinous online activity that spanned over an eight-day period.

According to court proceedings, West Yorkshire Police responded to a tip-off on September 4, 2017, which led them to investigate Hardaker’s residence in Castleford. Authorities had received credible information indicating that he was accessing and downloading illicit material from his home. When officers arrived at his property, Hardaker was not present. Instead, they proceeded to his place of employment within the security industry to locate him.

During the search of his home, law enforcement officials recovered a tablet along with several other electronic devices. These items were subsequently examined by forensic experts. The investigation uncovered that Hardaker had accessed five images classified as Category A, which is designated for the most severe level of child abuse material. In addition, investigators found one image categorized as B and another as C, indicating varying degrees of severity. The authorities also discovered moving footage involving a horse being subjected to sexual abuse, adding to the disturbing nature of the material found.

Hardaker, aged 55 and residing on Leaf Street in Castleford, pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included three counts of making indecent photographs of a child and one count of possessing extreme pornographic material. His admission of guilt came early in the legal process, and he expressed remorse for his actions.

During the court hearing, Andrew Foley, representing the defendant, highlighted that Hardaker is a married man with no prior criminal record. He emphasized that the offences occurred over a relatively short period of eight days and that there was no evidence to suggest he had accessed illegal images before or after this incident. Foley also noted that Hardaker had sought professional help shortly after his arrest, demonstrating a willingness to address his problematic behavior. The defense argued that continued support and rehabilitation could benefit him moving forward.

In sentencing, Judge Tom Bayliss, QC, addressed the gravity of the offences. He stated, “You are before the court for offences of great seriousness. People like you who access child pornography encourage the sexual abuse of children. For whatever reason you were looking at them, you should hang your head in shame that you were fueling that sort of behaviour for your own perverted sexual pleasure.”

As part of his punishment, Hardaker was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes mandatory participation in a 30-day rehabilitation program. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk to the community.