ALAN FRY FROM ULVERSTON AND BARRROW JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CRIMES

In a significant case highlighting the ongoing fight against child exploitation, Alan Fry, a music teacher with ties to both Barrow and Ulverston, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children.

Fry, aged 66 and residing on Daltongate in Ulverston, was brought before Preston Crown Court where the severity of his actions was laid bare. The court revealed that Fry had accessed an alarming total of over 26,000 indecent images depicting children, a discovery that underscores the extent of his involvement in this disturbing illegal activity.

During the sentencing, Judge Heather Lloyd addressed Fry directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. She stated, “Children whose images you crave and find sexually exciting have been and are being sexually abused for the gratification of men like you who hide behind their screens.” The judge made it clear that Fry’s actions contribute to a broader and deeply troubling illegal trade that perpetuates the abuse of innocent children.

Fry’s guilty plea was entered at Furness Magistrates Court on October 10, where he admitted to 20 charges related to the creation of indecent images of children. The investigation into his activities revealed that approximately 25,000 images had been viewed, with 400 classified at the highest level four, indicating the most severe form of indecency.

Prosecutor Mr. Brett Gerrity highlighted Fry’s dismissive attitude during police interviews, noting that Fry denied causing any harm or believing that the images depicted suffering. Gerrity explained, “He commented that people on the images didn’t appear to be stressed or suffering, and he believed they were enjoying themselves or at least were okay with what was happening.”

Judge Lloyd expressed concern over Fry’s continued minimization of his actions, suggesting that he remained in denial despite his guilty plea. This attitude was viewed as troubling, given the serious nature of the crimes.

Detective Constable Andrea Reid, who led the investigation, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting children and prosecuting offenders. She stated, “This case shows that Cumbria Police will prosecute those who exploit children by engaging in this sort of behaviour. We are pleased that Mr. Fry was given a custodial sentence and that he will be removed from society. If anyone has any suspicions of any sort of exploitation, please contact us and we can investigate.”

Overall, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of vigilance within communities to prevent such heinous crimes from continuing.