In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Aron Stacey, then 38, was sentenced to three years in prison for swapping child abuse images and refusing to disclose his phone passcode. On appearing at Preston Crown Court, the defendant—of Accrington, East Lancashire—admitted to making and distributing category A images, the most severe classification of child abuse material. It was reported that Stacey, who ran Aztec Martial Arts in Accrington, used a Skype account linked to his business to communicate with a man in Israel about the abuse of children.
The investigation established that Stacey attempted to use technology to evade detection. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that investigators discovered indecent images on Stacey’s laptop and mobile phone, many of which were protected by an additional layer of encryption. The prosecution reported that Stacey repeatedly refused to provide his password to officers, leading to a charge of failing to disclose a passcode under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. The investigation established that despite his role as a martial arts teacher, no evidence was found that he had targeted his own students.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Stacey’s “horrible interest” in child abuse material fueled a market that devastates young lives. Preston Crown Court heard that Stacey possessed category A, B, and C images, as well as extreme pornography depicting sexual intercourse with an animal. The investigation established that Stacey offered “no comment” during most of his interviews and provided an unverified claim that his laptop had been purchased second-hand to explain the presence of the illegal files.
NCA Operations Manager Hazel Stewart noted that offenders cannot hide behind encryption to evade justice. For his actions in Lancashire, Stacey was handed a three-year custodial sentence. The judge noted that the distribution of a category A image was a particularly grave offence, as it perpetuated the ongoing suffering of the children depicted in the material.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Aron Stacey is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 3 years (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court following an NCA investigation.
- Criminal Record: Making indecent images (Category A); Distributing indecent images (Category A); Possessing extreme pornography; Failing to disclose a passcode.
- Origin: Accrington, East Lancashire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Stacey is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) within the Lancashire area. Due to the nature of his conduct in Accrington, which involved a position of trust as a martial arts instructor, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) includes indefinite prohibitions on him running any clubs or classes involving children and strict monitoring of his internet-enabled devices.
As a registered sex offender for life, Stacey’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his history of “encrypting” data in East Lancashire requires permanent vigilance by digital forensic teams during routine checks. Any failure to comply with his notification requirements or any attempt to re-enter a teaching role involving minors will result in immediate arrest and a return to custody to ensure the safety of children in the community.
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