Norwich trans woman had indecent images of children

Tanya Howes, of Netherwood Green in Norwich, has pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent photographs of a child and a separate charge of possessing 100 “grossly offensive” extreme pornographic images and videos.

The 66-year-old - who was identified on court documents as female - appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on Wednesday (May 3) having previously admitted having 39 of the most serious category A indecent photographs of children, 17 category B and 29 category C images.

She was due to be sentenced, but magistrates approved a Norfolk Probation Service application for an extension to complete reports, including referring the case to the Transgender Case Board.

Tanya Howes has pleaded guilty to charges of possessing indecent child images and extreme porn (Image: Newsquest)

A probation officer told the court: “There needs more time for the report in order for it to be completed to fullness but also our policy dictates that a transgender board needs to be consulted in order for this person to then go on to be sentenced.

“It’s about our policy but also making sure the appropriate factors are identified given the nature of the case.”

Transgender Case Boards were introduced in 2017 to make decisions about the appropriate location and management of transgender prisoners while in custody. 

A ban on trans women with male genitalia who are violent or sexual offenders serving sentences in female prisons came into force earlier this year.

Exemptions will only be made in the "most exceptional" cases and with the approval of ministers, the government said.

Those who cannot be safely accommodated in a men's prison can be imprisoned in a specialist unit.

The extra measures were introduced after the controversy in Scotland regarding Isla Bryson, a transgender woman who was convicted of raping two women before transitioning from a man known as Adam Graham.

Howes was given unconditional bail until a sentencing hearing on July 4.