ROBERT STRIDE FROM ELLESMERE PORT SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN CHESTER
In a case that has shocked the local community of Ellesmere Port, a 77-year-old man named Robert Stride has been found in possession of a significant collection of indecent images and videos depicting children, leading to a serious legal response from the courts.According to court records, Robert Stride, who resides on Church Street in Ellesmere Port, pleaded guilty to possessing a total of 459 indecent images and videos of children, along with 1,323 extreme pornographic images.
The investigation revealed that these materials had been accumulated over a period of approximately ten years, highlighting a long-standing pattern of illegal activity.
During the proceedings at Chester Crown Court on Friday, November 27, prosecutors detailed the disturbing nature of the material found on Stride’s devices.
It was disclosed that among the images and videos, there were 74 images and 43 videos classified as 'Category A'—the most severe classification—featuring children as young as four years old.
These images are considered the most serious form of indecent material involving minors.
Further examination uncovered additional disturbing content, including images of newborns and children as young as two, categorized under 'Category C'.
Specifically, the authorities found 74 images and 43 videos in Category A, 47 images and 24 videos in Category B, and a further 338 images along with seven videos in Category C.
The investigation also uncovered a large quantity of extreme pornography involving animals, with 1,094 images and 279 videos stored on Stride’s computer devices.
The illegal material was traced back to an IP address linked to Stride’s residence in Ellesmere Port, with police becoming aware of the activity in June 2018.
Following this, officers executed a search warrant at his home on July 17, 2018, seizing all relevant electronic devices, including computers, CDs, DVDs, disks, and USB sticks.
During police interviews, Stride was questioned about his understanding of what constitutes indecent material.
He initially responded that anything involving children under the age of 11 was considered indecent, but when informed that the legal age is under 18, he claimed he was unaware of this fact.
He also denied having any sexual interest in children, a statement that the presiding judge, Justice Michael Leeming, sharply rejected.
The judge emphasized that the extensive collection of indecent images accumulated over a decade clearly indicated a serious breach of moral and legal boundaries.
Judge Leeming remarked that Stride’s character had been compromised for over ten years due to his ongoing possession and collection of such material.
While acknowledging the gravity of the case, the judge noted that there was a
