Dad of Three Busted with Over 11,000 Sick Child Images
Mark Stephenson, 52, from Tamworth, has been exposed as a vile paedophile after police found more than 11,000 indecent images of children — some as young as five — on his devices. The dad-of-three shared these horrendous pictures with other online predators.
Shocking Police Raid Uncovers Thousands of Disturbing Photos
A raid on Stephenson’s home uncovered 11,567 disgusting images, including 113 of the most serious category A and B offences, stored across seven devices. The court heard he led a secret double life, working as a broker by day while harbouring a sinister obsession with girls in tights.
Stephenson’s ‘Tights Fetish’ Played Key Role in Crimes
At Warwick Crown Court, Recorder Balraj Bhatia QC condemned Stephenson’s “powerful” tights fixation. “You had been living a double life,” said the judge. “On one hand, you were a successful provider for your family. But on the other, you caused great concern through your criminal acts sustained over time.”
“It has been a sexual interest in young children, blurred by an obsessive fetish with tights and young girls wearing tights,” he added.
Much of the offending took place in hotel rooms during business trips — allowing Stephenson to hunt and share his sick images in secret.
Sentenced but Given Suspended Jail Term and Community Order
Stephenson pleaded guilty to making and distributing indecent images and outraging public decency. Despite the horrific nature of his crimes, he was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, plus 200 hours of unpaid work. He must also sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years.
Prosecutor Grace Ong revealed that Stephenson was actively distributing category C images up until the day before his arrest in April 2018. She said:
“The main feature of the groups is that pictures of young girls in tights were actively sought.”
Police discovered photos showing girls aged five to 14, taken without consent at school gates, on trains, and in shops—highlighting the calculated and disturbing nature of his crimes.
