ALLAN CLARKE FROM KNOWSLEY SPARED JAIL AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 6,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN KNOWN LOCATION

In a case that has shocked the local community of Knowsley, Allan Clarke, aged 28, was found in possession of an alarming collection of indecent images depicting children being exploited and abused. The authorities uncovered a total of 5,243 photographs and 458 videos, all of which contained material of a highly disturbing nature involving minors. Clarke’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings have brought to light the severity of his actions, as well as the complexities surrounding his mental health condition.

The incident came to light in 2013 when police received intelligence indicating that Clarke had accumulated more than 250 indecent images on his computer. Acting on this information, officers initiated an investigation into his online activities, focusing on child abuse image websites. Based on the evidence gathered, a raid was conducted at Clarke’s residence on October 31 of that year, located on Page Moss Lane, Page Moss, in Knowsley.

During the police search, Clarke was present at his home. When questioned about the material on his devices, he admitted to downloading the images onto his netbook and then transferring them to his laptop. His straightforward and honest admissions led him to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity, acknowledging the possession of the illicit material.

The police examination revealed that a significant portion of the images, precisely 1,606, fell into the most serious Category A classification, indicating the highest level of harm and exploitation. An additional 2,012 images were classified as Category B, with the remaining 2,083 falling into Category C, which is considered less severe but still highly inappropriate. In total, Clarke was found to possess 5,701 indecent images, a number that underscores the gravity of his offenses.

Clarke, who was dressed in glasses, a white shirt, and a dark tie during the court proceedings, had no prior criminal record. His defense lawyer, Stephen Polson, highlighted that Clarke is employed as a night cleaner and has been diagnosed with a mild form of Asperger’s syndrome. The lawyer emphasized Clarke’s remorse, stating, “He is a man full of remorse and shame. He has brought shame upon himself and his family.”

Judge Stephen Everett, presiding over the case at Liverpool Crown Court, acknowledged the role of Clarke’s autism in his actions but made it clear that the severity of the images warranted a strong response. “If it had not been for Clarke’s autism,” the judge remarked, “I would have had no hesitation whatsoever in imposing an immediate custodial sentence.”

The judge described the images as depicting children being sexually abused and exploited, emphasizing the gravity of the offense. He pointed out that Clarke had admitted to possessing material he knew was illegal and inappropriate. Despite the seriousness of the case, Judge Everett recognized Clarke’s positive aspects, including his employment stability and the fact that this was his first appearance before the courts.

In sentencing, Judge Everett opted for measures aimed at both rehabilitation and public protection. Clarke was handed a two-year supervision order, an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, and was instructed to register as a sex offender for five years. The court’s decision reflects a balance between holding Clarke accountable and providing him with an opportunity for treatment and monitoring, with the overarching goal of safeguarding children from potential harm.