JAKE MACRO FROM GREAT HARWOOD SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY OFFENSES

In August 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving a teenage individual from Great Harwood who engaged in highly inappropriate and illegal activities involving a young girl. The incident centered around a 17-minute video that the teenager, identified as Jake Macro, recorded using a mobile phone. During the recording, Macro allegedly ordered the young girl to strip and spoke to her in a stern manner, actions that constitute serious criminal behavior. The video was not only recorded but also shared online, further compounding the severity of the offense.

Prosecutor David Clarke provided details to Preston Crown Court, revealing that police investigations uncovered a disturbing collection of nearly 200 indecent images of young girls on two of Macro’s devices. These images depicted children between the ages of four and nine, highlighting the grave nature of the material found. The authorities’ concern was heightened by the discovery of these images, which included various categories of child sexual abuse material, indicating a pattern of offending.

The police became aware of Macro’s activities after reports of suspicious activity on Facebook prompted an investigation. On August 15, 2018, law enforcement officers attended Macro’s residence on Clayton Street in Great Harwood. After engaging with his parents, the officers proceeded to arrest Macro. During the search of his property, multiple devices were seized, including a Samsung mobile phone and a memory stick. Examination of these devices revealed the presence of indecent images spanning from June to August 2018, just prior to Macro’s 18th birthday.

The images found on the devices were classified into different categories based on their severity. Authorities identified 58 Category A images, which are considered the most serious and involve the worst forms of child sexual abuse. Additionally, 33 Category B images and 89 Category C images were recovered, along with a still image from the indecent video. The police also discovered a prohibited child sexual abuse image and an extreme pornographic image, both of which are illegal to possess under current laws.

Throughout the court proceedings, Macro, who appeared emotional and wiped tears from his face, pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included three counts of making indecent images of a child, one count of distributing an indecent image of a child, possessing a prohibited image of a child, and possessing an extreme pornographic image. The court was informed of the gravity of his actions and the potential harm caused to the victims.

Recorder Mark Ainsworth sentenced Macro to an immediate custodial term, ordering him to serve four months at a young offenders’ institution. Furthermore, Macro was subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his activities and contact with minors. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct to protect the community from further harm.