ALAN MORLEY FROM LEEK SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Leek, Alan Morley, a 60-year-old resident, has been sentenced to prison after being found in possession of an extensive collection of child sexual abuse images. The police investigation revealed that Morley was involved in the possession and downloading of these heinous images on multiple occasions, with this being his third conviction related to such offences.

On October 26, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search at Morley's residence located in Boundary Close, Leek. During the search, officers discovered a USB device concealed within a tablet box inside a drawer beside his bed. This device contained a staggering number of indecent images of children, totaling 13,253 pictures. Among these, 1,054 were classified as 'Category A' by experts, indicating the most severe level of abuse, some depicting infants as young as four weeks old being subjected to sexual acts.

The police report detailed that the images included extremely disturbing content, with some showing babies and very young children being raped. Prosecutor Jonathan Dickinson explained that the images were downloaded over a period of time, and Morley admitted responsibility during police interviews. However, he was unable to provide any rational explanation for his actions. The investigation also highlighted the disturbing nature of the material, emphasizing the vulnerability and innocence of the children involved.

Morley's criminal history includes previous convictions for similar offences. He was imprisoned in February 2008 for possessing indecent images of children and received a suspended sentence in November 2009 for further offences of the same nature. He also appeared in court again in the following year after failing to comply with the conditions of his suspended sentence, indicating a pattern of repeated offending.

During the sentencing hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Judge David Fletcher expressed his strong disapproval of Morley's actions. He described the images as 'sickening' and emphasized the grave nature of the offences, particularly given the age and vulnerability of the children depicted. The judge dismissed Morley's claim that he engaged in such activities out of boredom, calling it 'ridiculous.'

In light of the evidence and Morley's criminal history, Judge Fletcher sentenced him to 16 months in prison. The judge also conveyed his doubts about Morley's potential for rehabilitation, underscoring the serious and ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in the possession of such depraved material.