HYDE CHILD-ABUSE IMAGES PERVERT JOHN MCKENNA ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SHOCKING DISCOVERY
| Red Rose Database
Hyde Child Sexual Abuser
In August 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving John McKenna, a man with deep roots in the Hyde community, who was exposed for possessing a disturbing collection of child abuse images. Despite his long-standing involvement in roles that placed him in close contact with children, McKenna’s secret life revealed a dark and troubling side.
John McKenna, aged 58, was known locally as a dedicated social worker, foster parent, and Scout leader. Throughout his adult life, he was regarded as a pillar of the Hyde community, working tirelessly with children for over thirty years, primarily serving with Tameside and Stockport councils. His reputation was built on years of service, fostering trust among families and children alike.
However, the facade was shattered when police investigations uncovered a sinister secret. Authorities found that McKenna had stored and viewed numerous indecent images of children on his computer. The investigation revealed that these images included children as young as eight years old being subjected to abuse. The discovery was particularly shocking given McKenna’s professional and personal roles involving children.
Until his arrest, McKenna was actively involved in fostering children at his residence on Hepworth Street in Hyde. He also held the position of Group Scout Leader for the 3rd Gee Cross Scout troop, further emphasizing his trusted status within the community. His dual roles as a foster carer and Scout leader made the revelations even more disturbing.
The case was brought before Manchester Crown Court, where it was revealed that McKenna had initially claimed to be researching child abuse, a defense that was used when his wife confronted him about his internet activity five years prior. Prosecutor Justin Hayhoe detailed how McKenna’s wife had returned home to find him asleep in front of a laptop displaying the word ‘sexual,’ prompting her to question his activities. This incident was an early indication of his troubling online behavior.
The truth came to light in February of the same year when police, acting on information from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, visited McKenna’s home. The authorities had concerns about images being uploaded to Microsoft’s SkyDrive platform, which allows users to store content online. A search of McKenna’s residence uncovered a total of 484 indecent images of children. While most of these images fell into the less severe categories, over 100 depicted children being subjected to abuse, confirming the severity of his actions.
McKenna, who is wheelchair-bound due to mobility issues, faced the court with a mixture of remorse and distress. He pleaded guilty to 47 counts of downloading indecent images of children. The court sentenced him to a three-year community order, which includes mandatory participation in a sex offenders’ treatment program. Additionally, he is now prohibited from working with children or having unsupervised contact with minors. His internet access is also restricted under a sexual offences prevention order.
Prior to the sentencing, McKenna had spent six months in custody as a remand prisoner, and the hearing was conducted via videolink from Strangeways Prison. Throughout the proceedings, he was observed sobbing and sighing, indicating the emotional toll of the case.
Defence solicitor Stella Massey highlighted McKenna’s previously unblemished record, emphasizing that he had lived a life dedicated to community service and had worked as a foster carer for many years. She expressed regret over the loss of his good character and the years of effort he had invested in his community.
Judge Robert Atherton acknowledged McKenna’s contributions to society but emphasized that his criminal actions warranted a custodial sentence. However, considering his time spent on remand and the potential for rehabilitation, the judge opted for a community order rather than imprisonment. He explained that imposing a jail sentence at this stage would not aid in addressing the underlying issues revealed by the case, which involve serious concerns about his online behavior and the harm caused by the images.
In conclusion, the case of John McKenna from Hyde serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind seemingly respectable facades, and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.
John McKenna, aged 58, was known locally as a dedicated social worker, foster parent, and Scout leader. Throughout his adult life, he was regarded as a pillar of the Hyde community, working tirelessly with children for over thirty years, primarily serving with Tameside and Stockport councils. His reputation was built on years of service, fostering trust among families and children alike.
However, the facade was shattered when police investigations uncovered a sinister secret. Authorities found that McKenna had stored and viewed numerous indecent images of children on his computer. The investigation revealed that these images included children as young as eight years old being subjected to abuse. The discovery was particularly shocking given McKenna’s professional and personal roles involving children.
Until his arrest, McKenna was actively involved in fostering children at his residence on Hepworth Street in Hyde. He also held the position of Group Scout Leader for the 3rd Gee Cross Scout troop, further emphasizing his trusted status within the community. His dual roles as a foster carer and Scout leader made the revelations even more disturbing.
The case was brought before Manchester Crown Court, where it was revealed that McKenna had initially claimed to be researching child abuse, a defense that was used when his wife confronted him about his internet activity five years prior. Prosecutor Justin Hayhoe detailed how McKenna’s wife had returned home to find him asleep in front of a laptop displaying the word ‘sexual,’ prompting her to question his activities. This incident was an early indication of his troubling online behavior.
The truth came to light in February of the same year when police, acting on information from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, visited McKenna’s home. The authorities had concerns about images being uploaded to Microsoft’s SkyDrive platform, which allows users to store content online. A search of McKenna’s residence uncovered a total of 484 indecent images of children. While most of these images fell into the less severe categories, over 100 depicted children being subjected to abuse, confirming the severity of his actions.
McKenna, who is wheelchair-bound due to mobility issues, faced the court with a mixture of remorse and distress. He pleaded guilty to 47 counts of downloading indecent images of children. The court sentenced him to a three-year community order, which includes mandatory participation in a sex offenders’ treatment program. Additionally, he is now prohibited from working with children or having unsupervised contact with minors. His internet access is also restricted under a sexual offences prevention order.
Prior to the sentencing, McKenna had spent six months in custody as a remand prisoner, and the hearing was conducted via videolink from Strangeways Prison. Throughout the proceedings, he was observed sobbing and sighing, indicating the emotional toll of the case.
Defence solicitor Stella Massey highlighted McKenna’s previously unblemished record, emphasizing that he had lived a life dedicated to community service and had worked as a foster carer for many years. She expressed regret over the loss of his good character and the years of effort he had invested in his community.
Judge Robert Atherton acknowledged McKenna’s contributions to society but emphasized that his criminal actions warranted a custodial sentence. However, considering his time spent on remand and the potential for rehabilitation, the judge opted for a community order rather than imprisonment. He explained that imposing a jail sentence at this stage would not aid in addressing the underlying issues revealed by the case, which involve serious concerns about his online behavior and the harm caused by the images.
In conclusion, the case of John McKenna from Hyde serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind seemingly respectable facades, and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.