IAN BELLEW AVOIDS IMPRISONMENT AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN BOLTON
In March 2019, Ian Bellew, a 26-year-old with no fixed address, was involved in a case at Bolton Crown Court where he was found in possession of indecent images of children on his mobile phone.Following a tip-off, police obtained a warrant and visited Bellew on January 30 of the previous year, seizing his Samsung mobile device.
Bellew readily admitted to having inappropriate images stored on his phone.
Prosecutor Sarah Cook explained that analysis of the device revealed 91 videos classified as the most serious Category A, along with 96 Category B videos and another 96 in Category C.
The images depicted children aged between three and 15 years old.
Bellew pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children.
The court was informed that he was not involved in creating these videos nor had he shared them with others.
Defence lawyer Kevin Liston described Bellew as "an isolated and somewhat vulnerable individual who lives alone and suffers from mental health issues." Judge Timothy Stead sentenced Bellew to a three-year community order, which includes participation in a sex offenders’ programme and 40 days of rehabilitation activities.
Additionally, Bellew was placed on the sex offenders’ register and subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
His mobile phone was forfeited and scheduled for destruction.
The judge addressed Bellew directly, stating, "You're worrying this court.
You are 26, you have not committed offences in the past.
It seems to me you have been leading an isolated existence and drinking too much."
