STEPHEN HURST FROM CLEOBURY MORTIMER FOUND GUILTY OF MAKING INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN IN WORCESTER

In a serious case that has shocked the local community of Cleobury Mortimer, Stephen Hurst, a 52-year-old resident of High Street, faced the courts on charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children. The proceedings took place at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court, where Hurst admitted to a disturbing collection of illicit material.

Between October 29, 2010, and July 13, 2014, Hurst was found to have produced a total of 4,531 indecent images, categorized across different levels of severity. The breakdown of these images included 20 moving images classified as Category A, which denote the most serious material involving children engaged in sexual activities. Additionally, there were 20 Category B moving images and 24 Category B photographs, which are considered less severe but still highly inappropriate. The majority of the images, however, fell into Category C, with 2,455 indecent photographs and 2,012 moving images, indicating a significant and disturbing collection of child exploitation material.

Hurst appeared before magistrates on Thursday, September 24, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of making indecent images of children. The magistrates, led by Chairman Richard Packer, acknowledged the gravity of the case and decided to refer the matter to Worcester Crown Court for sentencing. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 23, where Hurst's actions and the extent of his offenses will be thoroughly examined, and appropriate penalties will be determined.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat child exploitation and ensure that individuals involved in such heinous crimes are held accountable. The community of Cleobury Mortimer and surrounding areas remain vigilant, awaiting the outcome of the sentencing and hoping for justice to be served.