A man who told police he was saving indecent images of children as 'evidence' has been handed a community order after his bizarre explanation was branded a 'shaggy dog story' by a judge.
Bizarre Claim Dismissed in Court
Ryan Whatley, 23, was arrested after officers executed a warrant at his home in Hilary Drive, Aldridge, Walsall, on September 26, 2024. His mother answered the door and led police to his bedroom. Prosecutor Francesca Perera told Wolverhampton Crown Court that Whatley immediately indicated he knew why they were there, asking if it was "something to do with boys".
A forensic examination of his devices uncovered a total of 81 indecent images of children, all appearing to be male and some as young as five years old. The offences took place between July and September 2024.
The Unconvincing 'Evidence' Defence
During his police interview, Whatley spun an unusual tale. He claimed he had been on Reddit when he clicked a link that unexpectedly led him to illegal content. He said he was "shocked" and decided to save the images to a Dropbox account as "evidence" to report to the authorities, believing it was more secure than his phone.
He insisted he had no sexual interest in children or pornography. However, his story unravelled when he alleged the Dropbox account was later closed and the images "mysteriously" deleted, leading him to abandon his plan to contact police because he no longer had the proof.
Prosecutor Ms Perera countered this, stating the defendant "clearly has a sexual interest in children". Judge John Butterfield KC was equally unimpressed, dismissing Whatley's account as a "shaggy dog story". The judge added, "I do not even know who you think you are fooling. With the possible exception of yourself, you are not fooling anyone."
Sentencing and Court Outcome
Whatley, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. On Thursday, November 27, he was sentenced to a two-year community order. This includes a 55-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.
In addition to the community order, the court imposed significant long-term restrictions:
- A five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), limiting his internet use and access to children.
- A requirement to sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
- An order to pay £600 in prosecution costs.
His defence barrister, Anthony Bell, had stated his aim was for Whatley to leave court with a community order. When the judge confirmed this would be the sentence, Mr Bell offered no further mitigation.
