COLIN MCAULEY SENTENCED AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGES FOUND IN BASEFORD HOME
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Basford Child Sexual Abuser
In March 2013, authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of child exploitation at the residence of Colin McAuley in Basford. The police conducted a targeted dawn raid on his flat after receiving credible information suggesting illegal activity. During the operation, officers seized a computer and a mobile phone, which subsequently revealed the presence of indecent images involving minors.
On examination of the digital devices, law enforcement officials discovered a total of seventeen images classified at different levels of severity. Specifically, there were eleven images categorized as level one, indicating the least serious form of indecency, and six images classified as level three, which denote a more serious nature. The investigation also uncovered the use of specialized software called 'shredder,' designed to delete files from the hard drive to conceal illicit material.
In his police interview, McAuley, who resides at Haydon Street, Basford, claimed ownership of the computer and admitted to installing the 'shredder' software himself. He maintained that he lived alone and was unaware of any indecent images on his device. McAuley insisted that his internet searches were limited to adult pornography and explicitly stated that he had no sexual interest in children. Despite his assertions, the evidence pointed to the contrary, leading to his guilty plea for making indecent images of children, with the offenses committed between March 21, 2011, and November 9, 2011.
During the sentencing hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the defense, represented by Stuart Muldoon, argued that the number of images involved was minimal. Mr. Muldoon highlighted that McAuley had ceased viewing the images well before the police intervention and suggested that a community order would be an appropriate penalty. He emphasized that such a sentence would impose strict monitoring and supervision, ensuring McAuley remained under police oversight for a significant period and reducing the risk of further offending.
Judge Rachel Brand QC ultimately sentenced McAuley to a three-year community order, which includes three years of supervision and mandatory participation in a community sex offender group program. Additionally, McAuley was subjected to a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, noting McAuley's prior conviction and preoccupation with internet pornography, which she described as an unhealthy obsession. The SOPO permits McAuley to retain access to a computer or internet-enabled device but with strict conditions. He must not use any such device unless it can display his internet history, and all devices must be available for police inspection upon request. The court's measures aim to protect the public while allowing McAuley some degree of internet access under supervision.
On examination of the digital devices, law enforcement officials discovered a total of seventeen images classified at different levels of severity. Specifically, there were eleven images categorized as level one, indicating the least serious form of indecency, and six images classified as level three, which denote a more serious nature. The investigation also uncovered the use of specialized software called 'shredder,' designed to delete files from the hard drive to conceal illicit material.
In his police interview, McAuley, who resides at Haydon Street, Basford, claimed ownership of the computer and admitted to installing the 'shredder' software himself. He maintained that he lived alone and was unaware of any indecent images on his device. McAuley insisted that his internet searches were limited to adult pornography and explicitly stated that he had no sexual interest in children. Despite his assertions, the evidence pointed to the contrary, leading to his guilty plea for making indecent images of children, with the offenses committed between March 21, 2011, and November 9, 2011.
During the sentencing hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the defense, represented by Stuart Muldoon, argued that the number of images involved was minimal. Mr. Muldoon highlighted that McAuley had ceased viewing the images well before the police intervention and suggested that a community order would be an appropriate penalty. He emphasized that such a sentence would impose strict monitoring and supervision, ensuring McAuley remained under police oversight for a significant period and reducing the risk of further offending.
Judge Rachel Brand QC ultimately sentenced McAuley to a three-year community order, which includes three years of supervision and mandatory participation in a community sex offender group program. Additionally, McAuley was subjected to a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, noting McAuley's prior conviction and preoccupation with internet pornography, which she described as an unhealthy obsession. The SOPO permits McAuley to retain access to a computer or internet-enabled device but with strict conditions. He must not use any such device unless it can display his internet history, and all devices must be available for police inspection upon request. The court's measures aim to protect the public while allowing McAuley some degree of internet access under supervision.