Man, 61, jailed for two and a half years for possessing and distributing incident images of children

A man has been jailed for two and a half years for possessing more than 700 incident images of children.

Stuart Thomas, 61, of Hatherwood, Yateley, was in possession of 1,148 indecent images, 261 of which were Category A images – the most serious.

Officers launched an investigation and found the images on two of his phones and two of his laptops. More than 700 files were indecent images of children.

Detectives later found that he also distributed 10 indecent images.

He was charged with three counts of distributing an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child and seven counts of possessing either prohibited, indecent or extreme pornographic images.

Thomas pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for a total of 30 months at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 22 August.

He is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and lifelong registration requirements.

Police Staff Investigator Chloe Daniels, from the Internet Child Abuse Team, who led the investigation, said: “Thomas had an extremely large collection of indecent images stored on his devices and some of the children depicted were newborn babies.

“He clearly poses a risk to children and he will have strict conditions imposed upon him when he is released from prison.

“I hope this investigation highlights our commitment to keeping children in our community safe and that we will do everything we can to ensure offenders are put before the courts.”

Anyone with concerns about child abuse can call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you are not ready to speak to police but have experienced abuse in childhood, or are concerned about a child, you can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.