JOHN WADESON FROM NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS ESCAPES PRISON DESPITE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Newton-le-Willows, John Wadeson, a former healthcare professional, faced serious allegations related to the possession and download of indecent images of children. The incident came to light after police conducted a raid on his residence in Borron Close, Newton-le-Willows, on the morning of June 10, 2020. Officers arrived at approximately 8:30 am, executing a warrant that led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, including a Lenovo computer, an iPad, and a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone.

During the raid, police found a disturbing collection of images and videos depicting child abuse. The materials included 142 images classified under the most severe Category A, which features child rape, with 11 videos among them. These images showed children as young as newborns up to 12 months old, highlighting the severity and depravity of the material. Additionally, police discovered Category B images, including eight videos, involving young boys aged between four and six years old. There were also Category C images depicting boys as young as three or four years old. The investigation further uncovered 35 extreme pornographic images, two of which involved bestiality.

Wadeson, who was working as an A&E nurse at Aintree Hospital’s emergency department in Fazakerley at the time, was questioned by authorities. He initially denied any involvement or knowledge of the indecent images, claiming he had no idea how such material could be linked to him. However, during a subsequent interview on May 29, 2021, Wadeson admitted to owning a Kik Messenger account, which he claimed he had deleted after meeting his current partner. He acknowledged that the computer belonged to both him and his partner but insisted that the iPad and Samsung phone were solely his. Wadeson admitted to knowing about the indecent images on his devices but claimed he could not remember viewing them. He also confessed to watching extreme porn videos, which he believed were sent to him via the messaging app Telegram by others.

Throughout the court proceedings, Wadeson maintained that he accepted responsibility for his actions. He stated that there was a period when images of children were on his mind, and he expressed remorse, emphasizing that his partner was unaware of his activities. Prosecutor Paul Blasbery outlined the charges, which included three counts of downloading indecent images, one count of possessing such images, and possession of prohibited images and extreme pornography, all committed between September 2016 and June 2020.

Judge Andrew Menary, QC, addressed the court, acknowledging that Wadeson’s collection was not as extensive as some cases he had encountered. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the Category A images represented the most serious form of child abuse, and their existence was deeply troubling. The judge highlighted the real victims behind such images and the broader implications of supporting the illegal trade in child exploitation. While the sentencing guidelines suggested a starting point of 12 months in prison, Judge Menary chose to suspend the sentence, citing Wadeson’s remorse, his loss of his nursing career, and the support he received from his family. He explained that immediate imprisonment would not serve the best interests of rehabilitation or public safety.

Instead, Wadeson was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to complete a 60-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, including participation in a Horizon sex offenders treatment programme. Additionally, he was fined £500 in court costs, placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years, and required to register as a sex offender for ten years. The judge’s decision reflects a complex balance between punishment, rehabilitation, and public protection, acknowledging the gravity of the offences while considering Wadeson’s personal circumstances and efforts to reform.