HORDEN MAN STEPHEN DEWS JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN DURHAM

In November 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Stephen Dews, a 43-year-old resident of Glanton Terrace in Horden, who was found to possess a significant collection of indecent images depicting children being sexually abused. The investigation revealed that Dews had attempted to conceal his online activities by using a 'tor' browser, a tool designed specifically to hide users' locations and identities from authorities.

Durham Crown Court heard that Dews had downloaded approximately 350 images, both moving and still, which included some of the most severe categories of child exploitation material. Among these were images of children as young as three years old being subjected to sexual abuse, with evidence indicating that the children appeared to be in distress during the acts. The images were stored on multiple devices seized during a police raid at Dews' home.

The police action was initiated after authorities received intelligence regarding Dews's internet activity. When officers executed a search warrant, they recovered three electronic devices. Subsequent analysis uncovered a disturbing collection: 143 images classified as Category A, representing the most serious material; 112 images in Category B; and 99 images in Category C. The investigation confirmed that Dews had downloaded these images using a 'tor' browser, which is often employed by individuals seeking to evade detection and maintain anonymity online.

Further probing revealed that Dews had engaged in online discussions about his sexual interests in children. He used social media platforms such as Facebook and other messaging services to communicate with others about this disturbing subject. In one exchange, Dews responded to a social media request by saying, “Wish I had more to show you, people have been quiet lately.” Another user then messaged him, “You got stuff? You can send it here.”

Prosecutor Joanne Kidd explained that Dews was arrested after authorities acted on the information they had gathered. During the court proceedings, Dews admitted to three charges of downloading indecent images of children, covering the period from January to April of that year. The court was told that the images depicted children as young as three being sexually abused, with clear signs of distress visible in the photographs.

Judge Lumley addressed Dews directly, stating, “It’s clear you have a sexual interest in young children. You perpetuate the abuse of children by providing a market for the abusers. This offending was persistent over a period of months, and I am satisfied you would have continued had you not been arrested.” The judge also noted that while there was some suggestion Dews might have been distributing images, the prosecution’s case was based solely on possession. He emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the need for immediate custody, especially considering the impact on Dews' elderly parents, who would likely be bewildered by his actions.

As part of his sentence, Dews was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was subjected to an indefinite restriction on his internet use. The devices containing the illegal images were confiscated and are set to be destroyed. The court's ruling reflects the gravity of the offense and the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in the distribution and possession of child exploitation material.