May 2014
Shamed Bentilee ex-sailor had indecent images of children on laptop
PERVERT Stephen Smith downloaded indecent images of children and extreme pornography.
The 52-year-old former sailor accessed the pornographic websites and downloaded the images on his laptop.
But a judge said there was more to be gained by rehabilitating Smith than him spending a few weeks in jail.
Prosecutor Fiona Cortese told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday police raided Smith’s Bentilee home at 8.05am on January 4 last year.
Miss Cortese said: “He was arrested and interviewed before the computer was analysed. He confirmed it was his and he used it to access the internet.”
Police found 75 images at level one; seven at level two; 10 at level three; 18 at level four; and one at level five – the most serious.
They also found two level one moving images and seven extreme pornographic images involving an animal.
Smith could not recall seeing any indecent images and said he found extreme pornography when searching for adult pornography.
He told police someone had tapped into his internet connection.
Miss Cortese said: “There was also an indication the defendant had searched the internet for indecent images of children.
“He said he knew it was wrong to access indecent images and expressed his remorse.”
Smith, of Paisley Close, pleaded guilty to six offences of making indecent photographs of a child and possessing an extreme pornographic image between January 3, 2010 and January 5, 2013.
Arif Hussain, mitigating, said Smith, who had no previous convictions, had an excellent work record but had to give it up after a stroke in November. He is now receiving counselling.
Mr Hussain said: “The commission of these offences is a fall from grace for a man who has served in the Navy and worked all his life.”
Judge Glenn sentenced Smith to a three-year community order with supervision and a requirement to complete the community sex offender group work programme.
He was made the subject of a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prevents him using any device capable of accessing the internet.
He will also be on the sex offenders’ register for five years and will be barred from a range of activities involving children and vulnerable adults.
Judge Glenn told Smith: “You need to get hold of the fact that these are real children being abused for the entertainment of people who use these appalling websites.”
But he accepted the images had been for Smith’s personal use only, adding: “If I impose a custodial sentence you would serve less than half.
“I think there is more to be gained seeking to rehabilitate you.”
Smith must also pay £500 costs and a £60 surcharge.
