WILLIAM FLOOK CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CHIPPING SODBURY AFTER BRISTOL AIRPORT ARREST

In December 2012, William Flook, a 50-year-old resident of Gorlands Road in Chipping Sodbury, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of child exploitation. The case unfolded following his return from a holiday in Thailand, during which border control officers at Bristol Airport conducted a routine check and discovered seven illicit photographs concealed in his shoulder bag.

Subsequently, law enforcement officials executed a search of Flook’s residence, leading to the seizure of his personal computer. An in-depth analysis of the device revealed a troubling collection of digital material. Specifically, investigators identified 328 indecent images of children, along with 13 video files. The majority of these images—approximately 320—depicted children in non-sexualized contexts, but the collection also included two videos showing adults engaging in sexual abuse of minors, as well as a video portraying children involved in sexual activity.

Further examination uncovered search terms such as “child rape” and “child pornography” on Flook’s computer, indicating a disturbing interest in such material. Prosecutors revealed that Flook had previously been banned from all libraries in Bristol and South Gloucestershire in 2008 due to his involvement in downloading indecent images, although Flook contested this allegation.

During the court proceedings, Kenneth Bell, the prosecutor, stated that Flook had traveled to Thailand with £5,000 in cash and was arrested upon his return at Bristol Airport in February of that year. The investigation also disclosed that Flook had no prior criminal convictions, which was noted during the hearing.

Flook pleaded guilty to 14 counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image. In response, Virginia Cornwall, representing Flook, emphasized that her client was not involved in distributing or sharing the images, but only possessed them. She requested leniency, highlighting Flook’s guilty plea despite his previous denials and no comment interview. Cornwall also pointed out that Flook, who uses crutches and is registered disabled due to an industrial accident, has been on disability living allowance since the incident.

Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC addressed the court, condemning Flook’s actions. He stated, “People who download child pornography, as you have on many occasions, are doing something that perpetuates the abuse of children.” The case underscores the serious nature of possessing such material and the ongoing threat it poses to vulnerable minors.