Midlands Man Receives Prison Sentence for Child Abuse Image Offences
A man from Stoke-on-Trent has been handed a custodial sentence after law enforcement officials uncovered nearly 300 indecent images of children on his mobile device.
Aaron Michael Edwards, aged 42, was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on February 19, 2026. Edwards pleaded guilty to the charge of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child.
Police Investigation and Arrest
In April 2025, Staffordshire Police conducted a raid at a property in Stoke-on-Trent, leading to the arrest of Edwards. During the operation, officers seized his mobile phone, which was found to contain 291 category A images depicting child abuse.
Category A images represent the most severe level of indecent material, highlighting the gravity of the offences.
Detective's Statement on the Case
Detective Constable Anna Walklett, a member of the child exploitation team, provided details on the investigation. She stated, "When Edwards was arrested, he admitted ownership of the phone but denied the presence of indecent images of children. Our team worked diligently to compile evidence, which ultimately resulted in his admission of guilt in court."
She further emphasized the police's ongoing commitment, saying, "We remain dedicated to combating child sex offences across Staffordshire and will take decisive action against those involved in such crimes."
This case underscores the persistent efforts of local authorities to address and prosecute individuals engaged in the exploitation of minors, ensuring community safety and justice for victims.
