RICHARD HUBBARD FROM BALSALL COMMON SHAMES HIMSELF WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Balsall Common, Richard Hubbard, a well-known figure in the area, has been convicted of possessing child pornography. Hubbard, a former parish councillor and long-serving school governor, appeared before Solihull Magistrates Court to face serious allegations related to the exploitation of minors.

Hubbard, who resides at Little Beanit Farm on Waste Lane in Balsall Common, was charged with multiple counts of creating indecent images of young girls. The charges stem from an incident in February when Hubbard took his computer to a repair shop. During the repair process, an engineer working on the hard drive discovered a file named 'Lolita,' which prompted further investigation.

Upon examining the contents, authorities found that Hubbard had stored several indecent images of children on his computer. Specifically, he admitted to creating an indecent photograph of a naked girl estimated to be between six and eight years old. Additionally, he acknowledged taking three photographs of a naked girl aged between eight and ten years old in January 2005. The court also heard that in December 2003, Hubbard downloaded a video depicting a teenage girl under the age of 16 being fondled by a boy.

The court was informed that Hubbard, a retired farmer, had a long history of community involvement. He served as a school governor at Balsall Common Primary School for four decades until he resigned from his position earlier this year. Furthermore, he was a familiar face in the nearby village of Berkswell, where he served on the parish council for 26 years and held the position of chairman until his resignation in March.

In light of his guilty pleas, Hubbard was sentenced to a three-year community order and was mandated to register as a sex offender. The case has sent ripples through the local community, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the area.