GEORGE THOMPSON FROM LYTHAM ST ANNES FACES SERIOUS CHARGES OVER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In February 2021, a pensioner from Lytham St Annes, identified as George Thompson, 69, has admitted to possessing and downloading indecent images of children. The case was heard at Preston's Sessions House Court, revealing that Thompson has a prior conviction from 2003 related to similar offences, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior.

Authorities launched an investigation into Thompson's activities after receiving suspicions about his possession and distribution of illegal images. On September 25, 2018, officers executed a warrant at his residence on Preston Road, Lytham St Annes, at approximately 7:40 in the morning. During the search, they found Thompson present at the property and seized multiple electronic devices, including a laptop, a Samsung mobile phone, several hard drives, and a Sony camera.

Further inspection uncovered that Thompson had stored illegal material on two computer servers located in his loft. Additionally, a hard drive retrieved from a wardrobe in his bedroom contained offensive images. The police also discovered that Thompson had employed deletion software, suggesting an attempt to conceal his activities. When questioned about his knowledge of the indecent images, Thompson admitted that he occasionally browsed for adult material online. Prosecutor Wayne Jackson stated, “He admitted trawling the internet for adult porn and said he may have seen the images recovered when browsing.”

Thompson pleaded guilty to possessing one Category A image, which is classified as the most severe under the law, along with six images in Category B and six in Category C. The authorities also found that he possessed 209 prohibited images and 20 extreme pornographic images involving animals, further highlighting the extent of his illegal collection.

In sentencing, Judge Philip Parry imposed a three-year community order on Thompson, which includes a requirement to attend a sex offender’s rehabilitation program. The judge expressed clear frustration, stating, “This court is fed up to the back teeth of seeing you. You had a warning shot sent across your bows in 2003 when you were sent to prison for six months. That really ought to have been it.”

Furthermore, a ten-year sexual harm prevention order was issued to restrict Thompson’s online activities. The judge warned him sternly, “If you put a foot wrong you’ll go to prison and it’ll be measured in years rather than months. If I see you again you’d better bring your bag with you because you will be going to prison.” The case underscores the ongoing concern over individuals with prior convictions reoffending and the importance of strict legal measures to prevent further harm.