TERRY BROOKES FROM GRAYS SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES CASE IN BASILDON

In a case that has shocked the community of Grays and the surrounding areas, former Labour Party councillor Terry Brookes, aged 58, has been handed a significant legal sentence after admitting to serious crimes involving indecent images of children. The incident came to light in December 2016, when Brookes was found to have created and shared hundreds of explicit images depicting minors as young as 18 months old, with other individuals who share similar disturbing interests.

Brookes, who served as a councillor representing West Thurrock and South Stifford, resigned from his position in the Labour Party last year, just prior to his arrest in August. The police action was initiated after authorities received credible information suggesting that Brookes was involved in the creation and distribution of these illicit images. A warrant was executed at his residence in Grays, during which law enforcement officers seized two laptops believed to contain evidence of his activities.

During the court proceedings at Basildon Crown Court, the prosecution, led by barrister Charlotte Davison, outlined the details of the case. Brookes initially denied the charges but later changed his plea to guilty. He faced multiple counts, including three of creating indecent images of children and one of distributing such images. The police investigation revealed that Brookes had received the images via Yahoo emails and Skype video calls, although he expressed that he did not want to possess or view these images.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Samantha Leigh emphasized the gravity of Brookes' role as a councillor, noting that his position involved safeguarding responsibilities, which made his actions particularly egregious. The judge pointed out that each instance of viewing or sharing these images contributed to the ongoing abuse of children, who are the victims behind the photographs. She remarked on the profound impact such crimes have on the victims, stating, “Children are being abused each time these images are looked at, and they have to live with the knowledge that these images exist.”

As part of his sentence, Brookes was handed a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits further offences. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 90 days of rehabilitation and perform 200 hours of unpaid community service. Brookes will also be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next ten years and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which restricts his access to electronic devices capable of internet use unless they can be inspected and retain a history log. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing measures to prevent future offenses.