GRAHAM HOWARTH FROM BREIGHTMET CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY JUST MINUTES BEFORE POLICE RAID

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Bolton, Graham Howarth, a 49-year-old resident of Breightmet, was found to have been viewing highly illegal and extreme pornography involving children just moments before law enforcement officers executed a planned raid on his home.

On the morning of July 27, 2018, police officers from Bolton, acting on intelligence provided by the National Crime Agency, arrived at Howarth's residence on Kentmere Road with a warrant. The officers arrived precisely at 8:30 am, prepared to conduct a search based on evidence linking Howarth to the possession and distribution of illicit material.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered a troubling collection of digital evidence. On Howarth’s phone, investigators discovered a video classified as Category A, which is considered among the most severe forms of illegal content involving children. This particular video had been accessed at 7:43 am, just 47 minutes before the police arrived at his home. Additionally, the examination revealed that Howarth had viewed an extreme pornographic image approximately 34 minutes prior to the police’s arrival.

Further scrutiny of his electronic devices uncovered a total of 679 indecent images of children, ranging in age from 10 to 16 years old. The computer also contained two images classified as extreme pornography, adding to the evidence of his disturbing online activity. Investigators also found that Howarth had been actively searching the internet for ways to erase his browsing history, indicating an attempt to conceal his illicit activities.

Alison Mather, prosecuting in the case, explained to Bolton Crown Court that Howarth was unemployed and had no prior convictions related to such offenses. Despite this, the evidence was overwhelming, and Howarth pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing and downloading indecent images of children and extreme pornography.

Judge Graeme Smith addressed the court, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public while also considering the potential for rehabilitation. He sentenced Howarth to a three-year community order, which requires him to participate in 50 days of rehabilitation activities, including a sex offenders’ programme. The judge also mandated that Howarth complete 160 hours of unpaid work and imposed a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his access to certain online content. Furthermore, Howarth was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.