BURNLEY FATHER AND SON DAVID AND ROBERT SHAW SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN HORRIFIC CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Burnley, a father and his son have been formally sentenced after being found guilty of possessing and creating a large collection of child pornography. The case unfolded at Burnley Crown Court, where detailed evidence revealed the extent of their involvement in this heinous crime.

David Shaw, aged 59, and his son Robert, aged 25, resided together at a property on Cobden Street in Burnley. Authorities uncovered hundreds of deeply disturbing images and videos stored across various devices, including computers, discs, and DVDs, all seized during a police raid at their shared residence. The investigation was initiated after police officers arrived at the house in April of the previous year, with the computer in use at the time. The high-tech crime unit examined the seized devices and uncovered a horrifying collection of material.

David Shaw, who is disabled and reportedly spent much of his time sleeping and eating in the lounge, was found to have stored numerous extreme pornographic images on his computer. Among these were images depicting the sexual abuse of an 18-month-old baby, a level of material considered to be among the most severe and disturbing. His son, Robert, was described as a recluse who rarely left his bedroom, where he also had a computer. Although no indecent images were initially found on Robert’s computer, police discovered some on a hard drive located on the floor of his room. The devices contained a total of approximately 250 images at the lowest level of severity, with seven images classified at level four, indicating the most extreme form of abuse involving very young children.

During the court proceedings, David Shaw admitted to two charges of possessing extreme pornography, five charges of making an indecent photo of a child, and four charges of possessing an indecent photo of a child. His defense team acknowledged his remorse, with his lawyer, Afzal Anwar, stating that Shaw was disgusted with himself and recognized the reprehensible nature of his actions. In contrast, Robert Shaw pleaded guilty to seven counts of making an indecent photo of a child. His defense, represented by Maurice Greene, highlighted Robert’s reclusive lifestyle, noting that he spent most of his time in his bedroom on his computer. Police found no indecent images on his computer but did find some on a hard drive on the floor.

Both defendants exercised their right to silence during arrest. The prosecution, led by Stephen Parker, described the images as “bluntly revolting” and emphasized the severity of the material, which included children as young as two or three being abused. The images ranged from level one to level four, with some at nearly the highest level of severity. The evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of the extent of their involvement in the production and possession of child abuse material.

Judge Lloyd delivered the sentences, condemning the defendants for their actions. She emphasized the importance of the court’s role in preventing such exploitation and deterring others from engaging in similar behavior. David Shaw was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, placed on the sex offenders’ register for seven years, given a sexual offences prevention order, and banned indefinitely from working with children. Robert Shaw received a two-year community order with supervision and was required to attend a specialized internet sex offenders’ treatment program. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years. Neither defendant had any prior convictions, making their offenses particularly shocking to the community and authorities alike.