Hugh Rodley admits child abuse image offences
Former fraudster searched for and possessed hundreds of indecent images of children.
Incident → evidence → outcomeHugh James Rodley, aged 79, has pleaded guilty to multiple child sexual abuse offences. At Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on 22 October, Rodley admitted six charges of making indecent images or videos of children and one charge of possessing them. The admissions follow an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Discovery of Images and Searches
NCA officers initially arrested Rodley at his home in Ballandine Crescent, Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham, on 4 December of the previous year. During the investigation, officers discovered a Hewlett Packard laptop containing 198 indecent images of children. These were categorised as 19 at category A, the most severe, 12 at category B, and 167 at category C. Furthermore, examination of the laptop revealed that Rodley had conducted at least 806 searches for paedophilic content.
Rodley was released on bail following his initial arrest. However, he was arrested again on 27 January after officers searched his property and found an Apple iPhone. This device contained an additional 295 indecent images of children, comprising five at category A, 13 at category B, and 277 at category C. The phone's usage records indicated that Rodley had used it almost immediately after being granted bail to continue searching for child sexual abuse material.
Previous Convictions
Rodley has a history of significant fraud convictions. In 2009, he was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to defraud a Japanese bank of £229 million. He received a further seven-year sentence in 2012 for defrauding over 700 pensioners of £6 million. In June 2016, he was given another seven-year term for failing to repay more than £1.2 million.
Andy Lawton, senior investigating officer for the NCA, stated that protecting children from sexual abuse is a priority for the agency. He added that Rodley's actions contribute to the exploitation of vulnerable children for the gratification of offenders.
Rodley is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on 22 November.
Questions this report answers
01What offences has Hugh Rodley admitted to?
Hugh James Rodley has admitted to six counts of making indecent images or videos of children and one count of possessing them. These admissions were made at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on 22 October.
02How many indecent images were found, and where?
National Crime Agency officers found 198 indecent images on a laptop and an additional 295 indecent images on an iPhone belonging to Rodley. The laptop also revealed at least 806 searches for paedophilic content.
03What is Hugh Rodley's criminal history?
Rodley has previous convictions for serious fraud offences. These include an attempt to steal £229 million from a Japanese bank, for which he was jailed for eight years in 2009, and defrauding pensioners of £6 million.
Support is available without a police report
Find London services, specialist support and the rights set out in the Victims’ Code. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Find victim supportSend a correction or case update
If a hearing, charge or outcome has changed, send the court, case number and source document so we can update the record.
Contact the deskContinue the investigation
CourtsJudges gain new powers to punish sentencing absentees
CourtsJoe Cordina acquitted of assault after self-defence ruling