Registered sex offender accessed cartoon images showing child abuse

A registered sex offender from Medway has been jailed again after police seized a secret phone containing more than 600 animated images depicting children being abused.

Stuart Wenham had only been released from prison in March 2025, when he ignored strict measures passed by the courts to prevent him from reoffending and accessed material which included the abuse of an infant under a year old.

Wenham had previously been convicted in 2023, for making indecent images of children.

When he was granted parole he was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and had to comply with notification requirements linked to his use of devices and software.

Multiple breaches 

Shortly after his release, officers suspected he was using two phones but had only notified police about one of them.

He was arrested on 6 June and this led to the seizure of the unregistered phone.

When reviewed, it was found to contain a catalogue of ‘pseudo-cartoon’ images linked to the sexual abuse of children.

Wenham had also been illegally using a VPN and during previous checks by specialist officers who manage sex offenders had repeatedly failed to declare the phone.

Further evidence was revealed after a laptop was examined which Wenham had also kept secret. This showed prohibited use of cloud storage and the deletion of his internet history.

When questioned during police interviews, he told officers that in his mind the images showing abuse were not of real children and that they appeared to be happy.

Wenham, 47, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to multiple breaches of a sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with notification requirements. He also admitted possessing a prohibited image of a child.

On 12 September 2025, he was described by the judge as ‘a dangerous man’ with a long record of appalling similar offences.

He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. 

Cartoons never an excuse

Leading the investigation was PC Leona Valsler, who said:

‘Wenham has been given every opportunity to change his ways but has chosen again to pursue and obtain abhorrent and disturbing material. 'Having cartoons, rather than real videos showing children being abused, can be no excuse and Wenham has repeatedly shown a flagrant disregard for the important measures and restrictions imposed to prevent him from reoffending. ‘This case demonstrates the vital work our officers and staff do to closely monitor and manage convicted sex offenders in our communities. 'Despite the challenges, we remain committed to using every available legal and investigative tool to prevent further harm, protect vulnerable children, and bring offenders to justice. Wenham’s actions are another reminder of why this work is so critical.’