MALCOLM CHAMPION FROM BOLTON ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN BRADFORD

In a case that has shocked the community of Bolton and drew significant attention in Bradford, Malcolm Champion, a 38-year-old resident of Alison Lane, Bolton Woods, was found guilty of possessing and making indecent images of children. The court proceedings, held at Bradford Crown Court, revealed that Champion had engaged in this disturbing activity over a span of two years, during which he downloaded hundreds of such images from the internet. Evidence presented in court indicated that he not only downloaded these images but also opened specific files dedicated to some of them, suggesting a deliberate and sustained engagement with this illegal material.

Champion faced nine charges related to the creation and possession of child pornography. Additionally, he requested that nine other similar offences be taken into account during sentencing, indicating a recognition of his involvement in multiple instances of such criminal activity. Despite the gravity of these charges, the court opted against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, Judge Kerry Macgill sentenced Champion to a three-year community rehabilitation order. This order requires him to participate in a sex offenders' education programme for a minimum of 177 hours, emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration.

Furthermore, Champion will be registered as a sex offender for a period of five years, a measure designed to monitor and manage his potential risk to the community. During the sentencing, Judge Macgill viewed some of the images and described them as 'sickening.' She acknowledged that many members of the public might believe that offenders like Champion should be imprisoned and their keys thrown away. However, the judge also noted reports from a psychiatrist and a probation officer, both of which concluded that Champion did not pose an immediate or ongoing risk to children in his day-to-day life.

Champion’s lack of involvement in distributing the illegal material and his willingness to cooperate with treatment programs were factors that influenced the court’s decision. The judge expressed her disapproval of such activities, stating, 'It is abhorrent that this kind of activity should take place and be encouraged by people such as you.' She emphasized that while community treatment was deemed appropriate, Champion should consider himself fortunate not to face prison time. The judge warned that failure to comply with the court’s orders could result in a custodial sentence.

The case came to light after an unusual incident involving a man who purchased a computer from a friend for £40. The friend, who had repaired the computer, discovered several files containing indecent images of young boys. This discovery prompted police involvement, leading to Champion’s arrest. During police interviews, Champion admitted to viewing gay pornography online, which was part of the evidence against him.

Defense lawyer Stephen Wood argued for a non-custodial sentence, highlighting that intensive treatment through sex offender programs can be effective and that failure in such programs is not tolerated. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in addressing internet-based crimes involving minors, and it raises questions about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation for offenders like Malcolm Champion in Bolton.