STEPHEN DREWITT'S SHOCKING CHILD PORN CHARGES IN WESTLEA AND SWINDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Westlea and the surrounding areas, Stephen Drewitt, a 34-year-old IT worker, has been involved in a series of serious allegations related to child pornography. The events unfolded over a span of several years, revealing a troubling pattern of behavior that culminated in his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

In November 2004, Drewitt was taken into custody after US investigators traced payments he made to access illegal online content. Authorities uncovered that he had paid for websites hosting indecent images of minors, which prompted a police raid on his residence on Thornford Drive, Westlea. During the search, law enforcement officials seized his computer, which was found to contain a staggering 4,224 indecent photographs and 433 movies. These materials included images of boys and girls aged between seven and twelve engaged in sexual acts with adults, as well as a disturbing image of a baby aged between 12 and 18 months.

Prosecutor Philip Warren detailed that Drewitt had admitted to using credit cards to access these illicit sites but had provided a false address during questioning. The court was informed that less than a week after his initial arrest, Drewitt had acquired a new computer and resumed his activities, indicating a clear pattern of continued offending.

Further investigations in June of the following year revealed that Drewitt had continued his illegal pursuits on a new machine. Authorities discovered additional indecent images and movies stored on CD-ROMs. Among the files found was one titled “my defence statement,” which suggested that Drewitt was preparing to submit a legal defense, including mitigation based on other cases.

During court proceedings, Drewitt admitted to 14 counts of making indecent images and two counts of possessing such material. He explained that he had become addicted to internet child pornography and that he did not socialize much, which contributed to his behavior. His defense lawyer, Martin Wiggins, expressed remorse on behalf of his client, emphasizing Drewitt’s shame and the lack of significant help available to address his actions.

In response to the evidence and his admissions, Judge Charles Wade sentenced Drewitt to 51 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was placed under a two-year probation order, which includes mandatory participation in a sex offenders’ course. Drewitt is also required to register as a sex offender for five years and will be subject to a sex offenders’ prevention order, restricting his liberty and monitoring his activities to prevent further offenses.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding internet-related crimes and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse, especially in communities like Westlea and Swindon where such disturbing incidents have come to light.