Bailey Stainsby

A Hartlepool teenager has been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court for further child pornography offences, marking a repeat violation of restrictions imposed to curb his illegal activities.

Bailey Stainsby, 18, of Herbert Walk, Hartlepool, first came to the attention of authorities in 2022 when he admitted to three counts of possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography. As a result, he was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order designed to monitor and restrict his behaviour to prevent further harm. Despite this intervention, Stainsby breached the order in July 2023, leading to a six-month youth detention sentence.

Further examination of Stainsby's mobile phone uncovered three additional indecent images of children, depicting girls aged around 14. These discoveries were made following his previous breach. In addition to the possession of these images, Stainsby admitted to another violation of the order by deleting inappropriate internet searches on the day before his arrest, an action that undermined the monitoring efforts.

During the hearing at Teesside Crown Court, Recorder Aisha Wadoodi remarked that Stainsby had 'developed an obsession' with such images. However, she noted positive developments, stating that he had been engaging well with youth justice workers. One worker described him as 'a completely different person', highlighting his progress in rehabilitation efforts.

Ultimately, Stainsby was handed a two-year community order, which includes 170 hours of community work. This sentencing reflects the court's aim to balance punishment with opportunities for reform, given his cooperation and changes in behaviour. The case was reported by the Hartlepool Mail on 17 February 2025, underscoring ongoing concerns about child exploitation in the region.