LEIGH MAN BLAKE PITCHFORD SENTENCED FOR SENDING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT PICTURES TO 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In January 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving a man from Leigh who engaged in inappropriate online conduct with a young girl. Blake Pitchford, a resident of Diamond Street in Leigh, was found guilty of sending a sexually explicit image of himself to an 11-year-old girl via her Facebook account. The incident took place in 2017, when Pitchford, then 27 years old, communicated with the girl through social media, sending multiple messages that included the indecent photograph.

It was the girl’s father who uncovered the messages. The father had only permitted his daughter to create the Facebook account under the condition that he would monitor her activity. It was he who discovered Pitchford’s messages, rather than the girl herself. The girl had alerted her father after Pitchford began sending her messages, which included comments such as “she is beautiful,” as part of an attempt to gain her trust. These messages raised serious concerns about the nature of Pitchford’s intentions.

During the proceedings at Bolton Crown Court, prosecutor Simon Barrett detailed the case, emphasizing the inappropriate and manipulative nature of Pitchford’s communications. The court heard that Pitchford’s actions demonstrated a clear attempt to exploit the young girl, with the messages and images indicating a disturbing breach of trust and boundaries.

Judge Richard Gioserano presided over the case and addressed the court regarding the broader implications of the incident. He remarked that the decision of the girl’s father to monitor her Facebook account was a prudent approach that other parents could learn from in order to protect their children. The judge also emphasized the importance of balancing the abhorrence of such crimes with the need to safeguard the public in the long term.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Gioserano pointed out that Pitchford’s contact with the girl was initiated without regard for the emotional and psychological harm it could cause. He stated, “As soon as you contacted her she went immediately to him (her dad). You thought it was an 11-year-old girl receiving them. You had not thought for the emotional and psychological impact it could cause.”

Prior to sentencing, Pitchford underwent a psychological assessment. The judge acknowledged that although Pitchford understood his behavior was wrong, he was unable to fully comprehend the potential impact on others. The court noted that Pitchford had no previous convictions, cared for his mother, and was considered to have a mental age significantly younger than his actual age.

Defense lawyer David Polgrase expressed remorse on behalf of Pitchford, highlighting his regret for the actions taken. Ultimately, the court sentenced Pitchford to a three-year community service order. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sexual offender register indefinitely and complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. These measures aim to address his behavior and prevent future offenses, while also emphasizing the seriousness of the crime committed in Leigh.