LEE COWAN FROM LEEK ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE HORRIFIC CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leek, Staffordshire, Lee Cowan, a 30-year-old man, narrowly avoided imprisonment after admitting to possessing and creating indecent images of a young girl. The case was heard at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where prosecutors detailed the extent of Cowan's offenses and the disturbing nature of the material found on his electronic devices.

According to court records, police officers seized Cowan's Acer laptop on April 25 of the previous year. During the investigation, authorities uncovered a total of 304 images and videos depicting children in various states of sexual exploitation. Among these, 30 images were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency and criminality. The images and videos had been accessed and downloaded over a period spanning from January 1, 2007, to April 24, 2014, revealing a disturbing pattern of behavior over seven years.

Prosecutor Laura Culley provided detailed testimony, emphasizing that four of the images were personally taken by Cowan. These photographs included semi-naked images of a four-year-old girl, who appeared to be asleep in some shots, with her lower body exposed. Close-up images of her lower body were also discovered, raising serious concerns about the child's safety and the offender's intentions.

Lee Cowan, who resides at Weslyan Court, Mill Street, Leek, pleaded guilty to nine counts of making indecent photographs of a child. His plea was accepted by the court, which considered the gravity of his actions and the impact on the victim and her family.

During the hearing, defense solicitor Jason Holt argued that Cowan had already suffered significant consequences and that his actions had a devastating effect on his family. Holt emphasized that Cowan was remorseful and committed to addressing his issues, stating, “He has been punished significantly for his acts and he accepts that punishment. Now he is trying to resolve the issues that he has.”

In sentencing, Recorder David Mason QC imposed a three-year community order, which includes supervision and mandatory participation in a three-year sex offender rehabilitation program. Cowan was also ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, the court imposed two activity restrictions, preventing Cowan from using or accessing any device capable of internet access without permission and from deleting any web browsing history.

Recorder Mason described the case as particularly heinous, stating, “These images were of a disgraceful and disgusting nature. They were downloaded by him at a time when he was suffering from depression.” He acknowledged the presence of aggravating factors but also noted Cowan’s good character and the efforts he was making to recover. The judge expressed the public’s concern about preventing future offenses, emphasizing Cowan’s recognition of the gravity of his actions and his need for help.

Despite the severity of the case, the court decided against a custodial sentence, citing Cowan’s remorse and the fact that he was suffering from depression at the time of the offenses. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of Cowan’s laptop and all related images, aiming to prevent any further dissemination of the material. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in tackling child exploitation and the importance of rehabilitation alongside punishment.