STEPHEN CROSSLEY FROM STRATTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORN DISCOVERY IN SWINDON

In October 2009, a man from Stratton, named Stephen Crossley, was found to possess indecent images of children on his personal devices but was ultimately spared imprisonment. The case, which unfolded at Swindon Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about Crossley's online activities and the extent of his digital content.

Crossley, aged 56 and residing on Hatch Road in Stratton, was discovered to have stored a significant number of inappropriate images on both his mobile phone and home computer. Investigations began after authorities in Northern Ireland arrested a man with similar indecent images, who was found to have been communicating electronically with Crossley. This individual informed police about his correspondence with Crossley, prompting further inquiries in Wiltshire.

Upon examining Crossley's computer, authorities uncovered a total of 52 indecent images of children, including four duplicates, indicating a collection of illicit material. His mobile phone contained 11 images, with five duplicates among them. Prosecutor Rachel Marshall detailed that police questioned Crossley, who claimed he had no sexual interest in children and suggested he was a passive participant in the sharing of these images. However, she also noted that police found text messages in which Crossley appeared to offer an underage girl for sex, raising serious concerns about his intentions.

Crossley admitted to four counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession. During the hearing, his defense lawyer, Rob Ross, emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting Crossley had committed any acts involving children directly, describing his involvement as limited to engaging in some unusual text conversations and possessing a collection of images.

Judge Douglas Field ultimately decided against sending Crossley to prison. Instead, he imposed a two-year community order that includes participation in a sex offenders’ program. The judge also prohibited Crossley from working with children, issued a sexual offences prevention order to restrict his liberty, and mandated that he register as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, Crossley was ordered to pay costs amounting to £250. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address online child exploitation, even when offenders do not directly commit physical acts involving minors.