Thomas Whieldon

Thomas Whieldon, a 30-year-old man from Stockton, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court for possessing indecent images of a child. The case came to light after police were alerted to suspicious internet activity at his home on Newport Way in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.

Officers attended Whieldon's residence and seized his mobile phone, where they discovered two indecent images stored in a photo application. The images, classified as Category B and C, depicted a girl estimated to be around 10 years old. The offences occurred between October 2022 and October 2023, during which Whieldon had engaged in the making of these indecent images.

Whieldon pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images. In court, Toby Hedworth KC, defending, highlighted Whieldon's supportive family background, noting that his mother and long-term partner were present in court. Hedworth stated, "His mother and partner are both present in court. It should give the court the greatest confidence that there will be no more offending of this sort."

Judge Richard Bennett acknowledged Whieldon's stable background, intelligence, and educational achievements, describing him as a "highly intelligent individual" with a degree. However, the judge noted that the images had not been deleted and that Whieldon displayed an "element of denial" regarding the offences. Bennett also referenced Whieldon's history of anxiety and depression.

Instead of a custodial sentence, Whieldon was given a 24-month community order, including 25 days of rehabilitation activity and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was required to register as a sex offender for five years and was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order. The sentencing took place on 19 December 2025 at Teesside Crown Court, as reported by Teesside Live.