GRAHAM PEARSON'S SHAMEFUL CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CAUTION IN RAWTENSTALL

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Rawtenstall Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing development, Graham Pearson, a former mayor and primary school teacher from Rawtenstall, has been issued a formal caution by Lancashire Police for possessing child abuse images. The incident traces back to September 10 of the previous year, when officers arrived at Pearson's residence on Cherry Crescent in Balladen, Rawtenstall, and took him into custody on suspicion of possessing indecent photographs, or pseudo-photographs, of children.

Following his arrest, Pearson was released on bail, with instructions to return to Rawtenstall police station as authorities deliberated on whether formal charges should be filed against him. Despite the ongoing investigation, Pearson attended a scheduled appointment at the police station at 1 pm, where he was formally cautioned. This caution is a formal warning issued by police, indicating that he has admitted to the offense but will not face immediate prosecution.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson confirmed the details, stating, "Lancashire Constabulary have given an adult caution to a 54-year-old man from the Rossendale area for possession of indecent photographs, or pseudo photographs, of children." The police account further revealed that Pearson's initial arrest occurred around 11:30 am at his home address in Rawtenstall.

When questioned about the caution last night, Pearson declined to comment, simply stating, "I have no comment to make." However, he did acknowledge that he no longer works as a teacher, a role he previously held at a primary school in Oldham.

In a separate incident, Pearson went missing from his home on February 3, prompting police to issue an appeal for his safe return. His silver Chevrolet vehicle was also reported missing during this period. Fortunately, Pearson was later found safe and well in the Cumbria area, ending concerns over his whereabouts.

Graham Pearson's political career in Rossendale was notable. He served as a councillor representing the Hareholme ward until the summer of 2004 and held the position of Mayor of Rossendale during 1991/92. His political journey also included a term as a Lancashire county councillor for Rossendale East ward from 1985 until he stepped down before the 1989 elections. Additionally, he contributed to local education as a governor at Staghills Nursery and Newchurch CE Primary, and during his mayoralty, he worked as a primary school teacher in Oldham.

His influence in local politics was significant, especially when Labour regained control of Rossendale Council in May 2002 after two years of Conservative rule. However, his tenure was marred by difficulties, notably after the Audit Commission published a report rating Rossendale as the worst council in the country. Pearson, who had undergone heart surgery in 1999, resigned as council leader in December 2003 citing health reasons. He subsequently lost his ward seat to Conservative candidate Chris Wadsworth in the 2004 elections.

Regarding the legal process, a spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service explained that cautions can be issued with or without conditions, depending on the circumstances. She clarified, "In accordance with Home Office guidelines, the police have the power to caution people without referring the matter to the CPS. They can also refer cases to us, and we then consider what is appropriate based on each individual case."
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