LEE WILDING FROM WIGAN ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE NEARLY 4,000 CHILD SEX IMAGES FOUND
In a case that has shocked the community of Wigan, a 41-year-old man named Lee Wilding was found to possess an extensive collection of child sexual abuse images, some of the most disturbing and distressing ever recovered by authorities.Despite the severity of the evidence, Wilding avoided immediate imprisonment, receiving a suspended sentence that has sparked debate about the justice system's handling of such cases.
In January 2018, Wilding appeared before Bolton Crown Court to face charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children.
Police investigations uncovered that he had downloaded a staggering total of 3,992 illicit images, depicting children as young as five months old up to 14 years of age.
These images were stored across seven different devices, indicating a deliberate and extensive collection.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Wilding had employed sophisticated software designed to encrypt, delete, and conceal his online activity.
Despite these efforts, Greater Manchester Police experts managed to recover the disturbing files, which included some of the highest categories of child abuse imagery.
Among the recovered material was an 'extreme' photograph involving an animal, adding another layer of depravity to the case.
Judge Elliot Knopf acknowledged the complexity of the case, describing it as 'difficult' and emphasizing the importance of addressing the matter to prevent future offenses.
Instead of imposing a custodial sentence, the judge opted for a 16-month suspended term, considering it a measure to reduce the risk of reoffending rather than simply punishing the defendant.
In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Wilding was ordered to participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities.
He was also subjected to a six-month curfew, requiring him to remain at his residence between 7 pm and 5 am each night.
Furthermore, he was placed under an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
The court also imposed a financial penalty, requiring Wilding to pay costs amounting to £340.
Prosecutor James Preece detailed the investigation, explaining that investigators discovered software on Wilding’s devices that was specifically designed to delete and hide internet history, complicating the investigation.
The charges stemmed from images and videos downloaded between May 2015 and February 2017, although Wilding claimed he ceased viewing such material in November 2016, disputing the timeline.
The evidence presented included 17 videos among the nearly 4,000 images, with 799 classified as the most serious category of child abuse imagery.
The prosecutor highlighted the disturbing nature of the content, noting that the children depicted ranged in age from five months to around ten years old.
An especially distressing image showed a young girl, estimated to be between four and six years old, appearing to be in pain and crying, which further underscored the severity of the case.
Earlier in December 2017, police had seized a total of 4,192 child sexual abuse images from Wilding’s computer equipment.
The images primarily depicted children aged 10 to 15, but some were as young as six months old.
Wilding pleaded guilty to making 799 indecent images of the most serious level, along with additional charges involving over 3,193 other images and possession of extreme pornography involving bestiality.
The prosecution argued that the case was too serious to be handled solely by magistrates, leading to his transfer to Bolton Crown Court for sentencing.
During the hearing, Wilding’s defense acknowledged the gravity of the offenses, noting his previous criminal record and the high severity of some images found.
The court scheduled his sentencing for January 17, with pre-sentence reports ordered to assist in determining an appropriate penalty.
As of now, no interim restrictions under the sex offenders’ register have been imposed, but the case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and abuse.
