IAN MORRISON FROM MARYPORT SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN CUMBRIA
| Red Rose Database
Maryport Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Maryport and the wider Cumbria region, Ian Morrison, aged 33, was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of possessing and downloading a significant amount of child pornography. Morrison, formerly residing on Ellenfoot Drive in Maryport, was discovered to have in his possession thousands of indecent images of children, including some classified in the most severe category, category five. The investigation revealed that he had committed multiple offenses related to the exploitation of minors through digital means.
Specifically, Morrison faced 29 counts of making indecent photographs of a child, which involved the downloading and collection of graphic and highly disturbing images. He pleaded guilty to five of these counts during his court appearance at Carlisle Crown Court. The authorities uncovered that Morrison’s activities extended beyond mere possession; he also engaged in online chat rooms with the apparent intent to groom young children for sexual abuse. This aspect of his conduct was highlighted during the proceedings, illustrating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.
The case took a personal turn when Morrison’s partner, with whom he shares a two-year-old child, discovered the images on his computer. When she confronted him about the material, Morrison claimed that he was downloading the images as part of an effort to gather evidence for law enforcement authorities. Prosecutor Alan Lovett stated, “He hoodwinked her and gave her an explanation that he was trying to access this information to give it to the police.” However, her suspicions grew when, several months later, she found additional images in March 2010. This discovery led her to ask Morrison to leave their home, ending their relationship.
Following these events, Morrison failed to respond to bail conditions, prompting police to track him down to an address in Suffolk in February of the following year. His arrest marked the culmination of a lengthy investigation into his activities. During the court hearing, Morrison’s defense attorney, Marion Weir, explained that her client was under the influence of illegal substances at the time and had little recollection of his actions. She emphasized that Morrison expressed remorse for his conduct and was ashamed of the material he had viewed, acknowledging the profound impact it had on his life and the lives of his victims. Weir also revealed that Morrison had himself been a victim of sexual abuse in the past, adding a layer of complexity to his case.
Judge Paul Batty QC delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the severity of Morrison’s crimes. He remarked, “You had a very significant quantity of images involving children. What is being done to those children is truly revolting.” The judge also criticized Morrison for continuing his activities despite being warned by his partner, who had effectively cautioned him against further viewing. Instead of heeding her warnings, Morrison persisted for another six months and even attempted to contact children through online chat rooms for his own sexual gratification.
As part of his sentencing, Morrison was placed on the sex offenders’ register and received an indefinite ban from working with children. Additionally, he was prohibited from possessing any electronic devices, and any internet access would be subject to monitoring. When police seized his computer, they found more than 3,000 images, ranging from the most serious to less severe material, underscoring the extent of his offending. Morrison’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.
Specifically, Morrison faced 29 counts of making indecent photographs of a child, which involved the downloading and collection of graphic and highly disturbing images. He pleaded guilty to five of these counts during his court appearance at Carlisle Crown Court. The authorities uncovered that Morrison’s activities extended beyond mere possession; he also engaged in online chat rooms with the apparent intent to groom young children for sexual abuse. This aspect of his conduct was highlighted during the proceedings, illustrating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.
The case took a personal turn when Morrison’s partner, with whom he shares a two-year-old child, discovered the images on his computer. When she confronted him about the material, Morrison claimed that he was downloading the images as part of an effort to gather evidence for law enforcement authorities. Prosecutor Alan Lovett stated, “He hoodwinked her and gave her an explanation that he was trying to access this information to give it to the police.” However, her suspicions grew when, several months later, she found additional images in March 2010. This discovery led her to ask Morrison to leave their home, ending their relationship.
Following these events, Morrison failed to respond to bail conditions, prompting police to track him down to an address in Suffolk in February of the following year. His arrest marked the culmination of a lengthy investigation into his activities. During the court hearing, Morrison’s defense attorney, Marion Weir, explained that her client was under the influence of illegal substances at the time and had little recollection of his actions. She emphasized that Morrison expressed remorse for his conduct and was ashamed of the material he had viewed, acknowledging the profound impact it had on his life and the lives of his victims. Weir also revealed that Morrison had himself been a victim of sexual abuse in the past, adding a layer of complexity to his case.
Judge Paul Batty QC delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the severity of Morrison’s crimes. He remarked, “You had a very significant quantity of images involving children. What is being done to those children is truly revolting.” The judge also criticized Morrison for continuing his activities despite being warned by his partner, who had effectively cautioned him against further viewing. Instead of heeding her warnings, Morrison persisted for another six months and even attempted to contact children through online chat rooms for his own sexual gratification.
As part of his sentencing, Morrison was placed on the sex offenders’ register and received an indefinite ban from working with children. Additionally, he was prohibited from possessing any electronic devices, and any internet access would be subject to monitoring. When police seized his computer, they found more than 3,000 images, ranging from the most serious to less severe material, underscoring the extent of his offending. Morrison’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.