MANOJ ARACHCHIGE FROM WIGSTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING WHATSAPP GROUP

In August 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Manoj Arachchige, a 30-year-old man from Wigston, who was found to possess a large collection of child abuse images stored on his electronic devices. The police investigation was initiated after they received a credible tip-off, leading to the seizure of Arachchige's phone and subsequent forensic analysis.

The examination of his phone revealed a horrifying collection of images, totaling 240 in the most severe Category A classification, which includes the most serious and explicit material. Additionally, there were 123 images classified as Category B and 150 as Category C. The investigation further uncovered that Arachchige had not only stored these images but also shared a Category A child rape image within a WhatsApp group.

Authorities reported that the WhatsApp group in question had a total of 504 participants, with over 3,160 files exchanged among members. The evidence indicated that Arachchige was actively involved in this illicit activity, which involved the distribution of highly disturbing material depicting the exploitation of children.

On July 16 of the previous year, police officers attended Arachchige's residence in Wigston following the receipt of information about his activities. He was promptly arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children. During the subsequent investigation, both his phone and laptop were seized. While the phone contained both still and moving images related to child exploitation, the laptop did not show any such content.

Manoj Arachchige pleaded guilty to three charges: making indecent images of children and distributing an indecent image of a child. His guilty plea led to a court hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 20 months. As part of his sentence, Arachchige is required to undertake a 55-day rehabilitation activity, participate in a sex offender group work program, and complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge David Fletcher addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of Arachchige's actions. He stated, "You were not looking at pictures of dolls or mannequins. You were looking at real children. They have been horribly exploited so these images can be viewed worldwide. You were exchanging these images within a WhatsApp group."

Furthermore, Arachchige was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for ten years and was placed on the sex offenders' register for the same duration. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £670. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child abuse images and protect vulnerable victims from exploitation.