TORQUAY PENSIONER SYDNEY WAGSTAFF CAUGHT AGAIN WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AFTER SUSPENDED SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about internet-based child exploitation, Sydney Wagstaff, a 70-year-old resident of Torquay, has once again found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving the possession and search for indecent images of minors.

Wagstaff’s troubling activities first came to light in September 2016, when he was convicted of possessing multiple indecent images of children. At that time, he received a sentence that was suspended, meaning he was not immediately sent to prison but was subject to certain conditions, including a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Despite this, Wagstaff’s actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the restrictions imposed upon him.

Just weeks after his initial conviction, Wagstaff purchased a new computer, an act that raised immediate suspicions among authorities. It was only two weeks after his sentencing that he was found to have continued searching for and viewing images of teenage girls online. His new device was subsequently seized by police after he admitted to his probation officer that he had been engaging in such activities. Forensic analysis of the computer revealed a small number of images, all classified in the lowest categories of severity, depicting girls aged between 11 and 16. Additionally, investigators uncovered a detailed search history indicating his ongoing interest in such material and his efforts to conceal his activities by deleting his browsing records.

Wagstaff’s breach of the SHPO was particularly serious, as he had previously been ordered not to access or view such material. He had also attempted to cover his tracks by deleting his internet history before police could examine it, an act that further demonstrated his intent to evade detection. His actions prompted a police protection officer to visit his home on November 15, after Wagstaff disclosed to his probation supervisor that he was still viewing such images, sometimes for up to 90 minutes daily.

During the court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, Wagstaff admitted to two counts of making indecent images, one count of breaching the SHPO, and a further violation of his suspended sentence. The judge, Mr. Philip Mott, QC, sentenced him to an additional two months in prison and ordered him to attend a specialized sex offenders’ course known as Horizon. He was also required to pay costs amounting to £350.

In delivering his judgment, the judge expressed a cautious optimism, stating, “I am prepared to give you a last chance. When I first read the papers I was concerned this was a cynical disregard for orders made by the court. I am now persuaded this is not the case.” He emphasized the importance of Wagstaff addressing his compulsive behavior, which had led him to cross legal boundaries. The judge acknowledged Wagstaff’s cooperation with authorities and noted that the discovery of his continued offending was due to his own disclosure to his supervising officer.

Prosecutor Miss Janice Eagles outlined that Wagstaff’s initial conviction involved five counts of possessing indecent images, for which he was sentenced in September 2016, along with the imposition of the SHPO. The subsequent investigation revealed that Wagstaff had continued his offending behavior, with police recovering four deleted images of young girls, all in the lowest severity categories. These images depicted girls aged between 11 and 16. Further analysis showed that Wagstaff had purchased his new computer shortly after his initial conviction, on September 28, and had taken steps to erase his search history, including saving information on how to delete such records.

Overall, the case underscores the persistent danger posed by individuals like Wagstaff, who, despite legal restrictions and prior convictions, continue to seek out and view harmful material involving minors. Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent such offenders from reoffending and to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.