STEPHEN PICKERING'S CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL IN TROWBRIDGE: DEPRESSION AND DRUGS BLAMED

In December 2008, a disturbing case emerged involving Stephen Pickering, a resident of Gloucester Road in Trowbridge, who was found to have accumulated an extensive collection of child pornography images on his computer. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the circumstances surrounding his actions.

Pickering, aged 53, was identified as a father of four children under the age of five. The investigation into his activities was initiated after police were alerted to his possession of illicit material. The initial discovery occurred when Pickering left his computer at his former residence in Braydon. The landlord’s daughter, upon finding the device, handed it over to law enforcement authorities. An examination of the computer revealed 28 indecent images depicting young girls in sexual poses. Additionally, investigators uncovered disturbing manipulated images, where the faces of his daughter’s friends had been superimposed onto pornographic pictures downloaded from the internet. These images highlighted a troubling pattern of behavior involving the exploitation of minors and the distortion of images involving minors known to him.

Further investigations were prompted when Pickering was arrested on unrelated charges. During a subsequent search of his home, police discovered a staggering 337 indecent images of children, most of whom appeared to be around 13 years old, stored on his computer’s hard drive. In addition, 138 more images were found on two floppy disks. When questioned by authorities, Pickering claimed he could not remember creating the images. He explained that he was suffering from depression at the time and had taken a combination of medications, including cold remedies and other drugs, which he said left him feeling 'out of it.' His defense argued that his mental health issues and substance use played a significant role in his actions.

Prosecutor Richard Thomas outlined the case before Swindon Crown Court, emphasizing the severity of the offenses. Pickering faced multiple charges, including five counts of possessing indecent images of children and one count of making such images. Despite the gravity of the charges, Pickering was spared a custodial sentence after the court considered his mental health struggles and the influence of alcohol and medication at the time of the offenses.

Defense lawyer Tabitha Macfarlane highlighted that Pickering had a traumatic childhood, having been abused herself, which she suggested might have contributed to his mental health issues, including possible post-traumatic stress disorder. She also noted that Pickering was regarded as an 'amazing father' by his partner, despite his troubling actions.

Judge William Hart sentenced Pickering to a three-year community order. As part of his rehabilitation, Pickering was ordered to participate in a Thames Valley sex offenders’ program and to undergo an alcohol treatment requirement. Additionally, he was mandated to register as a sex offender for five years. However, the court did not impose restrictions on his ability to work with children, reflecting a nuanced approach considering his mental health and circumstances.