CHRISTOPHER LIVESLEY FROM TYLDESLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT

In a case that has shocked the community of Tyldesley, Christopher Livesley, a 43-year-old man, faced serious criminal charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent images, including child pornography. The incident came to light in July 2008 when police executed a search warrant at his residence on Gatley Close. During the raid, authorities seized his computer equipment, which later revealed a disturbing collection of illegal images.

Forensic analysis of the seized devices uncovered a total of 1,100 indecent images of children, some of which depicted highly disturbing acts. Among these was a particularly grotesque image involving a person performing oral sex on a horse. The discovery of such material prompted immediate legal action, and Livesley was subsequently charged with multiple offenses.

At Liverpool Crown Court in March 2010, Livesley appeared to face the consequences of his actions. The court heard that he had developed an addiction to internet pornography, which had escalated to the possession of illegal content. His defense lawyer, Paul Treble, explained that Livesley was battling a serious addiction, describing it as a disease that had taken hold of him. Treble emphasized that while Livesley possessed a large collection of lawful adult material, a significant portion of his collection included illegal images, some of which he had received from others. He admitted that Livesley had viewed some of these images and acknowledged the need for punishment.

Treble also highlighted that Livesley's addiction had led to personal and professional consequences, including the loss of his job and the respect of his children. Despite his struggles, his wife was present in court to support him, although he expressed feelings of anger and hurt. A psychological report presented during the proceedings indicated that the addiction to such material could be highly compulsive and difficult to control.

Judge Gerald Clifton addressed the court, noting that most of the images fell into the least serious category of offending. However, he pointed out that 25 images classified in higher categories were particularly disturbing and repulsive to any normal person. The judge emphasized that each image represented a child who had been abused, and that viewing such images perpetuated further harm to victims.

In light of these considerations, Judge Clifton decided against imposing an immediate custodial sentence. Instead, he sentenced Livesley to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he ordered Livesley to participate in a sex offenders treatment program, placed him under supervision for two years, and mandated that he sign the Sex Offenders Register for a decade. Furthermore, Livesley was prohibited from working with children in any capacity.

Livesley had pleaded guilty to 19 charges related to downloading indecent images of children and one charge involving possession of an extreme pornographic image. The offenses spanned from December 2005 to July 24, 2008, marking a prolonged period during which he engaged in illegal activities that have now brought him before the court and into the public eye.