BURNLEY MAN BERNARD SCOTT JAILED AGAIN FOR PORN STASH AND CHILD IMAGES
| Red Rose Database
Burnley Sexual Abuser
In a serious development at Burnley Crown Court, Bernard Scott, a 51-year-old resident of Thursfield Road in Burnley, has been sentenced to an additional prison term after authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of illegal and explicit material stored on his computers. This case marks a troubling recurrence for Scott, who previously served time in 2003 for a series of offenses involving indecent images of children.
Back in 2003, Scott was convicted of possessing, creating, and distributing child pornography, leading to a one-year prison sentence. Following his release, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a decade, and law enforcement agencies maintained regular checks on his activities. Despite these measures, authorities found himself back in the spotlight when, during a routine investigation, they visited his residence in August of the previous year and examined his computers.
During the inspection, police discovered a troubling array of files. Among them were eight pseudo images of children, which are often computer-generated or manipulated images that depict minors in sexual contexts. In addition to these pseudo images, officers uncovered approximately 1,500 genuine and highly explicit photographs depicting extreme pornography involving women. Scott claimed that he believed the women in these images were willing participants, a statement that was met with concern by the court, as it demonstrated a lack of victim empathy and understanding of the harm caused.
The court heard that Scott has been married for 27 years, and his wife, who is employed by him, continues to support him. Despite his criminal history, the couple reportedly maintains a “loving and satisfactory” relationship. Scott admitted to possessing seven counts of extreme pornography and three counts of pseudo images of children. As a result, he was sentenced to 20 months in prison, with an additional 10-year registration on the sex offenders’ register. Furthermore, he was issued a sexual offences prevention order that imposes strict restrictions on his access to technology; he is prohibited from owning or using a computer or accessing the internet unless for legitimate employment purposes. He is also barred from possessing a mobile phone with internet access.
Prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Lally explained that police had authorized entry into Scott’s home, where two computers were seized and examined. These devices had been used to access various pornographic websites and erotic literature. Scott was subsequently arrested and interviewed by officers but chose to make no comment during questioning. Instead, he provided a prepared statement in which he acknowledged the presence of pseudo child images on his computer, claiming they were drawings and not illegal in his view.
Defense counsel Miss Sara Dodd described Scott as remarkably candid with probation services. She highlighted his naive perception, suggesting that he believed the images were acceptable because the women involved appeared willing and not coerced. Miss Dodd explained that she had educated Scott about the realities of trafficking and slavery, and she believed a “light had finally gone on” in his mind, leading him to recognize that some women may not be as willing as they seem.
During sentencing, Judge Beverly Lunt emphasized the importance of protecting women from exploitation and harm. She stated that her order was designed to prevent Scott from downloading or viewing extreme pornography, underscoring the damaging impact such images have on victims. The judge remarked, “Women are hurt, injured, and damaged as a result of such pictures being taken,” reinforcing the serious nature of the offense and the need for strict restrictions to prevent future offenses.
Back in 2003, Scott was convicted of possessing, creating, and distributing child pornography, leading to a one-year prison sentence. Following his release, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a decade, and law enforcement agencies maintained regular checks on his activities. Despite these measures, authorities found himself back in the spotlight when, during a routine investigation, they visited his residence in August of the previous year and examined his computers.
During the inspection, police discovered a troubling array of files. Among them were eight pseudo images of children, which are often computer-generated or manipulated images that depict minors in sexual contexts. In addition to these pseudo images, officers uncovered approximately 1,500 genuine and highly explicit photographs depicting extreme pornography involving women. Scott claimed that he believed the women in these images were willing participants, a statement that was met with concern by the court, as it demonstrated a lack of victim empathy and understanding of the harm caused.
The court heard that Scott has been married for 27 years, and his wife, who is employed by him, continues to support him. Despite his criminal history, the couple reportedly maintains a “loving and satisfactory” relationship. Scott admitted to possessing seven counts of extreme pornography and three counts of pseudo images of children. As a result, he was sentenced to 20 months in prison, with an additional 10-year registration on the sex offenders’ register. Furthermore, he was issued a sexual offences prevention order that imposes strict restrictions on his access to technology; he is prohibited from owning or using a computer or accessing the internet unless for legitimate employment purposes. He is also barred from possessing a mobile phone with internet access.
Prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Lally explained that police had authorized entry into Scott’s home, where two computers were seized and examined. These devices had been used to access various pornographic websites and erotic literature. Scott was subsequently arrested and interviewed by officers but chose to make no comment during questioning. Instead, he provided a prepared statement in which he acknowledged the presence of pseudo child images on his computer, claiming they were drawings and not illegal in his view.
Defense counsel Miss Sara Dodd described Scott as remarkably candid with probation services. She highlighted his naive perception, suggesting that he believed the images were acceptable because the women involved appeared willing and not coerced. Miss Dodd explained that she had educated Scott about the realities of trafficking and slavery, and she believed a “light had finally gone on” in his mind, leading him to recognize that some women may not be as willing as they seem.
During sentencing, Judge Beverly Lunt emphasized the importance of protecting women from exploitation and harm. She stated that her order was designed to prevent Scott from downloading or viewing extreme pornography, underscoring the damaging impact such images have on victims. The judge remarked, “Women are hurt, injured, and damaged as a result of such pictures being taken,” reinforcing the serious nature of the offense and the need for strict restrictions to prevent future offenses.