CRADLEY HEATH COUPLE STEPHEN GANDY AND ANNETTE STOREY ADMIT TO SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cradley Heath, a husband and wife have pleaded guilty to serious sexual offenses involving a young girl, along with possessing and creating indecent images. The incident came to light after police executed a raid on their residence on Elbow Street in April of the previous year, uncovering a disturbing collection of evidence that included photographs and videos of abuse.

Stephen Gandy, aged 43, admitted to two counts of sexual assault on a girl under the age of 13. He also pleaded guilty to seven other charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent images, prohibited images, and extreme pornography. The evidence against him was substantial, including photographs of himself and his partner engaging in abusive acts with the young girl. These images were discovered on a computer’s hard drive, along with memory sticks, camcorder footage, and VHS tapes containing extreme content.

Annette Storey, Gandy’s partner, admitted to a single count of sexual assault on a girl under 13. Her involvement was also confirmed through the evidence seized during the police raid. Both individuals appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday, August 21, where the severity of their crimes was addressed by the judiciary.

As part of the sentencing, Gandy was handed a four-year prison term. Due to his prior conviction for making indecent images in 2006, he will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely. Additionally, the court imposed a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which restricts his activities and associations related to sex offenses.

Annette Storey received a 36-month community order. Under this order, she is prohibited from working with children and is restricted from associating with other sex offenders, except her husband. She, too, was subjected to a 10-year SOPO, emphasizing the seriousness of her offenses and the need for ongoing supervision.

Detective Inspector Chris Hanson, from the Child Online Safeguarding Team, commented on the case, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child abuse. He stated, “We routinely work with international partners to gather intelligence and take action against this type of abuse. This work is ongoing every day across the West Midlands as we seek to tackle those who offend against children – whether it involves grooming for sexual activity or the making, possessing, or distributing indecent images.”

The case coincided with the launch of Operation Sentinel, a major campaign by West Midlands Police aimed at raising awareness and tackling child sex abuse. The initiative, which runs for five months, focuses on five key crime types, beginning with child sexual exploitation (CSE). Superintendent Tim Bacon from the force’s Public Protection Unit emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “Child sexual exploitation affects all communities and is the first area we’re focusing on throughout August. It’s a top priority for us – nothing is more important in policing than protecting vulnerable people.”