ROSS STUBBS LIGHTWOOD PERVERT ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD ABUSE IMAGES SCANDAL

In July 2022, Ross Stubbs, a 38-year-old man from Lightwood, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found in possession of disturbing and illegal images depicting the sexual abuse of young boys. The investigation revealed that Stubbs had been engaging in the viewing and downloading of these illicit images over a span of seven years, raising serious concerns about his ongoing activities and the potential risk to the community.

Police officers executed a search warrant at Stubbs' residence on April 22 of the previous year. During the search, they seized multiple electronic devices, including a mobile phone that contained a significant collection of indecent images. The examination of these devices uncovered a disturbing array of photographs and videos, with the majority classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of illegal content. Specifically, the phone held 29 still images and 16 moving images at this highest category, alongside additional images at Categories B and C, which also depicted young boys aged between eight and 15 years old.

Prosecutor Ben Lawrence detailed the findings in court, stating that the images had been viewed or downloaded from May 2014 up until just days before the police raid. The children depicted in these images were all male and ranged in age from eight to 15. Notably, two of the Category A images were found within a WhatsApp chat, but Stubbs was the sole participant in that conversation, indicating he was not responsible for distributing the images. During police interviews, Stubbs admitted to viewing these indecent images for sexual gratification, acknowledging his involvement in such activities.

Further investigations revealed that Stubbs had engaged in encrypted messaging conversations, asking about the age of the children and discussing the use of apps like Kik and Wickr, which are known for their privacy features. A search of his devices also included terms such as 'Schoolboy sex with stepdad,' highlighting his interest in illegal content involving minors.

Stubbs pleaded guilty to three charges related to making indecent images of children. His defense and the court recognized the seriousness of his offenses but also considered the potential benefits of community-based treatment. Recorder Anthony Warner explained that, although such offenses often result in immediate imprisonment, in this case, the court believed that the public would be better protected if Stubbs received treatment while remaining in the community. The judge emphasized that a prison sentence might not provide the necessary intervention to address Stubbs' behavior effectively.

As part of his sentence, Stubbs was given an 18-month prison term, suspended for two years. He is required to complete a 12-month mental health treatment program and a 55-day rehabilitation activity. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for ten years and registered as a sex offender for the same period. The court also ordered him to pay costs amounting to £400, underscoring the gravity of his offenses and the ongoing concern for community safety.