Man found with indecent images is spared prison
He said he had been in a low mood and abusing alcohol and painkillers when he viewed them Andrew Espley, prosecuting
APERVERT from Northumberland who made a vile comment to a nine-year-old girl was found with indecent images of children on his computer.
Stephen Wrench asked the child if she had a boyfriend and if she kissed him and whether he kissed her private parts, to which she said no and he laughed.
The little girl told her mum what had happened and Wrench was arrested and prosecuted for engaging in sexual communication with a child.
He was given a three-year community order for that in September 2018 but police, who seized his computer devices, discovered child abuse images on them a year later.
Now Wrench, who said he preferred girls aged between five and ten, has been back in court for making indecent images of children.
Newcastle Crown Court heard there were a total of 25 pictures on his phone and laptop, of girls aged between one and 13.
Andrew Espley, prosecuting, said: “He admitted the images were his. He said he had been in a low mood and abusing alcohol and painkillers when he viewed them.
“He said it became a habit.
“He admitted he was aroused by them and said he preferred girls aged between five and ten years old.”
Wrench, 38, of Tower Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to making category B and C indecent images and was sentenced to 12 weeks suspended for 12 months with a £500 fine and £200 costs. He must also sign the sex offenders register and be be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for seven years.
Judge Sarah Mallett said he had “made some progress and demonstrated a potential for rehabilitation”.
Kate Barnes, defending, said he is now in full-time employment and working towards re-establishing contact with his children.