LOCKS HEATH MAN STEPHEN BREADING CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN HAMPSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
Locks Heath Sexual Abuser
In April 2013, a disturbing case unfolded in Hampshire involving a local man named Stephen Breading, who resides in the Locks Heath area. The incident came to light after Breading's own family took the courageous step of reporting him to the police following a shocking discovery involving his computer.
According to court proceedings at Winchester Crown Court, the family’s suspicions were raised when Breading, aged 58, was showing his son-in-law his computer. During this demonstration, an alarming image of an underage girl suddenly appeared on the screen, prompting immediate concern and suspicion. The relative, whose identity remains undisclosed, became increasingly suspicious and, after Breading left for a holiday in the Caribbean, took the initiative to access his computer in his absence.
What he found was deeply troubling: a collection of more than 10,000 images and videos, some of which were classified as the most serious level of indecency. The court heard that the majority of these images were of a less severe nature, but approximately 200 of them fell into the highest category, level five, indicating the most serious form of child exploitation material.
Following this discovery, the family engaged in discussions about how to proceed. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they decided to report the matter to the police. Breading was subsequently arrested upon his return from his holiday in the Caribbean. During police interviews, he admitted to having developed an addiction to the internet and confessed to downloading the illicit images.
Authorities confirmed that Breading, of Grovebury, Locks Heath, was charged with 20 counts related to possessing and creating indecent images of children. The court heard that he had been involved in this activity for some time, which led to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.
In court, Breading pleaded guilty to the charges. The judge, Recorder David Bartlett, sentenced him to a fine of £7,500 along with £200 in costs. Additionally, he was handed a three-year community order that includes supervision and a requirement to attend a specialized sex offenders’ treatment program. The sentence reflects the seriousness of his offenses and the need for rehabilitation.
During the proceedings, Breading’s defense lawyer, Anne Brown, highlighted the profound impact the case had on his family. She explained that within days of his arrest, Breading sought help from a specialized foundation to address his issues. The family has been living under the shadow of this case for nearly a year, and the emotional toll has been significant.
In delivering the sentence, Recorder Bartlett referenced a letter from Breading’s daughter, who expressed how their world had been turned upside down by the discovery. She recounted that the family spent four days contemplating their next steps before ultimately deciding to involve the authorities. The judge commended the family for their responsible decision, stating, “Your family does you credit and they took the entirely correct decision to contact the police knowing it would lead to your prosecution.”
According to court proceedings at Winchester Crown Court, the family’s suspicions were raised when Breading, aged 58, was showing his son-in-law his computer. During this demonstration, an alarming image of an underage girl suddenly appeared on the screen, prompting immediate concern and suspicion. The relative, whose identity remains undisclosed, became increasingly suspicious and, after Breading left for a holiday in the Caribbean, took the initiative to access his computer in his absence.
What he found was deeply troubling: a collection of more than 10,000 images and videos, some of which were classified as the most serious level of indecency. The court heard that the majority of these images were of a less severe nature, but approximately 200 of them fell into the highest category, level five, indicating the most serious form of child exploitation material.
Following this discovery, the family engaged in discussions about how to proceed. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they decided to report the matter to the police. Breading was subsequently arrested upon his return from his holiday in the Caribbean. During police interviews, he admitted to having developed an addiction to the internet and confessed to downloading the illicit images.
Authorities confirmed that Breading, of Grovebury, Locks Heath, was charged with 20 counts related to possessing and creating indecent images of children. The court heard that he had been involved in this activity for some time, which led to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.
In court, Breading pleaded guilty to the charges. The judge, Recorder David Bartlett, sentenced him to a fine of £7,500 along with £200 in costs. Additionally, he was handed a three-year community order that includes supervision and a requirement to attend a specialized sex offenders’ treatment program. The sentence reflects the seriousness of his offenses and the need for rehabilitation.
During the proceedings, Breading’s defense lawyer, Anne Brown, highlighted the profound impact the case had on his family. She explained that within days of his arrest, Breading sought help from a specialized foundation to address his issues. The family has been living under the shadow of this case for nearly a year, and the emotional toll has been significant.
In delivering the sentence, Recorder Bartlett referenced a letter from Breading’s daughter, who expressed how their world had been turned upside down by the discovery. She recounted that the family spent four days contemplating their next steps before ultimately deciding to involve the authorities. The judge commended the family for their responsible decision, stating, “Your family does you credit and they took the entirely correct decision to contact the police knowing it would lead to your prosecution.”