WALTHAMSTOW MAN STEVEN HASKETT ESCAPES PRISON AFTER POSSESSING THOUSANDS OF CHILD SEXUAL IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Walthamstow, 23-year-old Steven Haskett was found to be in possession of an alarming collection of explicit images involving children, including a disturbing photograph of a baby. Despite the severity of the charges, Haskett was released from custody after magistrates decided that keeping him detained would not necessarily serve the best interests of public safety.

Haskett’s arrest followed an incident in which he approached an 11-year-old boy in a local playground, offering money in exchange for modelling work. He claimed to operate a modelling agency and arranged to meet the boy within ten minutes. The young boy, suspicious of Haskett’s intentions, confided in his parents, who promptly contacted the police. When officers arrived at the designated meeting spot, Haskett attempted to flee upon seeing the police but was quickly apprehended.

During questioning, Haskett maintained his story about the modelling agency and even volunteered to allow police to search his residence. The subsequent search of his bedroom uncovered a computer containing approximately 7,000 sexually explicit images of children. These images depicted minors in various states of undress, including some in swimming costumes and underwear, as well as photographs showing children engaged in sexual acts with adults. Among these was a particularly disturbing image of a baby, which has drawn significant concern from authorities and the public alike.

Haskett admitted to possessing images of children from infancy upwards but claimed that the baby photograph did not interest him and that his preferences were limited to boys aged 12 and over. He was charged with three specimen counts of making indecent photographs of children and was held in custody for four months while awaiting sentencing.

Despite the gravity of his offences, magistrates at Waltham Forest Magistrates Court opted against imprisonment. His solicitor, Angela Frost, argued that society would be better protected if Haskett was released under supervision rather than incarcerated. She emphasized that Haskett had already been involved with an underage boy and expressed concern that his continued detention might not address the underlying issues effectively.

Ms. Frost stated, “He has had contact with a young man and is very upset he won’t be able to have contact with that young man in the future. This is something that needs addressing. This is not something that should be left to fester in a prison cell.” She further explained that Haskett understood society’s disgust and rejection of his tendencies, asserting, “He fully accepts society’s repugnance and disgust at this type of offence and that it is wrong to form friendships with youngsters in this way.”

Prosecutor Ayo Awoyungbo recounted that Haskett was arrested after attempting to lure an 11-year-old boy with promises of modelling work, which he claimed was run through a modelling agency. The police, suspicious of his story, detained him and conducted a search of his home. The computer seized from Haskett’s residence contained thousands of explicit images, some depicting children in sexual contexts with adults, and others showing minors in underwear or swimwear. The presence of a baby photograph was particularly disturbing.

Following the hearing last Thursday, Haskett was released immediately by prison officers. He was instructed to register at Walthamstow police station within three days and was given a three-year community rehabilitation order, which permits him to move freely within the borough with minimal restrictions. As part of his sentence, Haskett is also required to attend a sex offenders’ treatment programme and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Haskett’s release has sparked concern among local residents and child protection advocates, who remain wary of the potential risks posed by individuals with such histories. The case underscores ongoing challenges in balancing justice, rehabilitation, and community safety in cases involving child exploitation and abuse.