CHRISTOPHER MEADE FROM BURNLEY JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE MATERIALS AND WIFI SCAM
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Burnley, a man named Christopher Meade, aged 39, has been sentenced to three years in prison after police uncovered an extensive collection of child exploitation material stored on his devices.The investigation revealed that Meade had amassed over 30,000 videos and images depicting children being sexually abused or exploited, a discovery that has sent ripples of concern through the local area and beyond.
According to court proceedings held at Preston Crown Court, the police's breakthrough came when they traced the internet connection used by a neighbor living directly opposite Meade’s residence on Spencer Street, Burnley.
The police arrived at the scene on June 20, 2019, and were met by a man who denied any involvement in the allegations that had been made against him.
However, during their investigation, officers inquired whether anyone other than the resident had access to the household’s internet connection.
This line of questioning led to the revelation that Meade had been using a router and had access to the internet service at the neighbor’s address.
Further probing into the matter resulted in police gaining access to Meade’s property.
When officers explained the nature of their investigation, the defendant became evasive, prompting him to request legal representation.
Meade admitted to owning a computer located in his bedroom but refused to provide the password, which led to his arrest and subsequent detention at the police station.
During a detailed search of his electronic devices, including a USB drive and desktop computer, authorities discovered a staggering 30,265 videos and images.
Among these, 530 were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of abuse, while 1,015 fell into Category B.
An additional 28,720 images were categorized as Category C, and there were also 65 images of extreme pornography involving animals.
The content was examined by officers, who identified children aged between seven and nine, eight and ten, and ten to twelve years old, being exploited in these materials.
The court was informed that Meade had collected and stored these indecent images and videos over a period of nearly seven years, from November 2012 until June 2019.
The severity of the case was underscored by Judge Simon Medland QC, who recapped the extensive number of files found during the search.
In his sentencing remarks, the judge emphasized the real harm caused to the children depicted in the material, stating, “These are real children who are really being abused by other people and it often stays with them for the rest of their lives.” Judge Medland also criticized Meade’s apparent lack of remorse, noting that he showed little concern or acknowledgment of the gravity of his actions.
The defendant had denied any sexual attraction to children, a claim the judge rejected outright.
After considering all reports and evidence, the judge concluded that the seriousness of the case warranted a custodial sentence.
In addition to the prison term, Meade was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was made subject to lifelong notification requirements, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from further harm.
