Worcester Magistrates Court: Christopher Yates of Worcester faces jail

Christopher Yates, of St Pauls Street, Worcester, admitted the charges when they were read out to him by a court clerk at Worcester Magistrates Court. 

Yates pleaded guilty to making 195 category A images, the worst level identified within the sentencing guidelines. 

Yates also admitted having 401 category B images and 405 category C images. 

CASE: Christopher Yates (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Magistrates heard the offences took place between January 16, 2022, and November 8, 2022. 

Lauren Millichip, prosecuting, said the crimes emerged after his laptop was seized by police which revealed the volume of images.

The prosecutor said an aggravating factor in the case was the age of children, some as young as 12-months-old and that his internet search history showed a sexual interest in children. 

COURT: Christopher Yates (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Miss Milichip asked for the case to be sent to the higher crown court due to the seriousness, and magistrates agreed to decline jurisdiction.

Barry Newton, defending Yates, made no representations during the hearing but did ask for a pre-sentence report to be completed. 

Dr Carys Clarke, chairperson of the magistrates bench, told Yates to attend his sentencing which was scheduled to take place at Worcester Crown Court on March 1. 

"You know where the crown court is?" the chairperson asked, Yates replying "Yes". 

The chairperson told Yates he was being released on unconditional bail but warned him if he committed another offence before the sentencing it would be viewed more seriously. 

The chairperson added they were requesting the report saying to Yates it was in his interests to cooperate with the probation service while it was being written for the judge. 

The case was heard at the court on Thursday, (February 1).