ANDREW HORSFALL FROM BORRAS ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEX IMAGE SCANDAL IN WREXHAM

In a case that has shocked the local community of Borras and the wider Wrexham area, Andrew Patrick Horsfall, aged 37, was found to possess a disturbing collection of indecent images on his mobile device, revealing an unhealthy and concerning sexual interest in children. The incident came to light after police executed a search warrant at the residence of Horsfall's brother in September, following intelligence that the brother’s internet connection had been used to access and download illicit material involving minors.

During the investigation, authorities quickly established that Horsfall was the individual responsible for the online activity. He was subsequently detained and his mobile phone was seized during a meeting with officers. The device contained a total of 51 indecent images, categorized into different levels of severity: four images classified as Category A, which is considered the most serious, five images at Category B, and 41 at Category C. Additionally, the phone held a prohibited image of a child and a particularly extreme image depicting oral sex between a human and a dog.

Horsfall, who resides on Ffordd Llewelyn in Borras, admitted to the charges, including downloading the indecent images and possessing the prohibited and extreme content. He explained that he had been actively searching for such images online and acknowledged that he had received some through sharing platforms. His actions and the nature of the images raised significant concerns about his mental health and his intentions.

At Mold Crown Court, Judge Niclas Parry addressed the court and the defendant, stating, “By your own admission, what happened here is that you developed an unhealthy sexual interest in children.” The judge emphasized that Horsfall had deliberately sought out these images, which was a deeply troubling development. Despite the severity of the charges, the judge noted that Horsfall showed remorse and was willing to confront his issues, which influenced the court’s decision.

In sentencing, Judge Parry opted for a community-based approach rather than immediate imprisonment. He imposed a two-year community order with a focus on rehabilitation, believing that this would better serve public protection and allow for a thorough investigation into Horsfall’s mental health and underlying issues. The court also issued a seven-year sexual harm prevention order, requiring Horsfall to register as a sex offender with the police for five years. The judge ordered the confiscation and destruction of the mobile phone but expressed a willingness to allow the return of personal photographs of Horsfall’s own children, provided they are managed appropriately.

Prosecutor David Mainstone recounted that police had acted swiftly after receiving information about the internet activity. The search at the brother’s residence revealed that Horsfall had been living at the address when the images were accessed. The police confirmed that Horsfall had been actively involved in online sharing and receiving of such material, which further underscored the seriousness of his actions.

Judge Parry concluded by highlighting the importance of addressing the underlying issues, stating, “This is a case where the court’s discretion to impose a substantial community order is justified, especially given Horsfall’s lack of previous convictions and his willingness to seek help.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and mental health professionals in tackling such disturbing crimes and protecting vulnerable members of society.