Thomas James Worthy

A Middlesbrough man, Thomas James Worthy, was arrested at his workplace following intelligence received by police regarding his involvement in viewing indecent material online. The 28-year-old, residing in Brambles Farm, faced charges related to child sexual exploitation material after officers searched his home and seized multiple electronic devices.

On 23 August 2024, police attended Worthy's home address in Falcon Way, Middlesbrough, prompted by tips about his 'sick online activity'. A family member informed officers that Worthy was at work, leading to his arrest there and the seizure of his mobile phone. Subsequent searches of his residence uncovered a laptop and five tablets in his bedroom, which were analysed by forensic experts.

• The devices contained two category A images and six category A videos, totalling five minutes and 23 seconds, depicting children aged between five and eight years old.
• Additionally, there were two category B images and five videos, along with 12 category C images.
• One prohibited image of a child was also found on his mobile phone and tablet.

Imogen Eastham-Brown, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, detailed the findings during the hearing. Worthy admitted to the offences in his police interview, confessing that he had been viewing indecent images for approximately two years. Previously of good character, Worthy pleaded guilty at the first opportunity before magistrates.

Recorder Ciaran Rankin acknowledged Worthy's admissions, stating: "To your credit, when interviewed you admitted your offences. Further to your credit, when you appeared before the magistrates you pleaded guilty at the first opportunity." The judge noted that Worthy had 'thrown all of that away' with his actions but decided against immediate custody, saying: "You could have gone to prison today but I am going to step back from that."

On 7 October 2025, Worthy was sentenced to a two-year community order, comprising 35 days of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and a notification requirement order, both lasting five years, to monitor and restrict his behaviour.

The case was handled by Cleveland Police, who acted on intelligence to prevent further harm. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat the distribution and possession of child abuse imagery in the Teesside area.