October 2013

Bristol father and son face jail over child abuse images charges

A FATHER and son face the possibility of being sent to prison after both pleaded guilty to downloading indecent images of children off the internet.

In an unusual criminal prosecution, Michael Oates and his son Phillip, both of Gloucester Road, appeared at Bristol Crown Court to face multiple charges of making child-abuse images and movie clips.

Phillip Oates, 33, entered guilty pleas to ten charges of making an indecent photograph of a child between November 2009 and January this year. He also pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing an extreme pornographic image, one charge relating to sexual activity between a person and a horse and the other relating to sexual activity involving a dog.

He further admitted a charge of exposure, in that he exposed his private parts in Bradley Stoke in June, 2011.

Michael Oates, 63, entered guilty pleas to 14 charges of making an indecent photograph of a child between July 2012 and March this year.

The court heard the last charge involved a collection of 1,630 indecent photographs of children.

Jason Taylor, defending Michael Oates, scotched any suggestion that the two men shared the material.

He said: “Phillip Oates went to Michael Oates’ house to use the computer. He discovered images on a disk and took it. Michael Oates was not aware his son had indecent images until he was arrested.”

Mr Taylor asked for the probation service to prepare a pre-sentence report on his client.

Nigel Clough, defending Phillip Oates, also requested a report to assist the sentencing judge.

Judge William Hart granted both reports and adjourned the men’s sentence to November 6. Both were given unconditional bail. The judge told them: “Do not assume you will not receive custodial sentences. All sentencing possibilities will be open to the sentencing judge.”