Computer expert Stuart Rudd faces jail over sex case

?An IT consultant from the Black Country, who has appeared on TV and radio to give computer advice, was facing jail today after being convicted of sexually abusing two young brothers.

Stuart Rudd, aged 35, was remanded in custody after being convicted of showing the boys adult pornographic images before encouraging them to perform sex acts.

Award-winning businessman Rudd, who has been managing director of Expert IT consultants in Bilston High Street, has appeared on BBC Midlands Today and Radio WM.

He was convicted of five charges of sexual abuse, relating to encounters a number of years ago, after representing himself in a trial which began last Monday.

He showed no emotion as the verdicts were read out yesterday. Rudd asked Judge Nicholas Webb to release him on bail ahead of his sentencing next month.

He told the judge: "Both my home life and business life weren't prepared for this outcome and those things need to be put in order."

But Judge Webb remanded him in custody and told him: "You are inevitably facing a custodial sentence." He told Rudd, of Summerhill Road, Coseley, to consider recruiting a lawyer to mitigate for him when he is sentenced. Judge Webb added: "Even if it didn't change the type of sentence, it might affect the length of it."

The trial heard that Rudd "created an opportunity for himself" to show the boys pornography. Prosecutors alleged it was "an act of grooming" and the young victims felt unable to stand up to Rudd.

Rudd, who claimed the allegations were malicious, has also been managing director of Swan Bank House business centre in Lichfield Street, Bilston, which provides accommodation and facilities for firms.

In 2003, the company won the High Growth Business Start-up Award at the Best of the Black Country Awards.

Rudd will be sentenced on November 5.