MARTIN CALVERT OF ACCRINGTON AND BURNLEY JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about child exploitation and online abuse, Martin Calvert, a 36-year-old man with connections to both Accrington and Burnley, has been sentenced to a two-year prison term after being found in possession of nearly 1,500 indecent images of children. The case underscores the persistent threat posed by individuals who seek to access and distribute such material, despite previous convictions and monitoring orders.

Calvert’s criminal history is extensive and troubling. He had previously served an 18-month sentence for similar offenses and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which granted law enforcement agencies the authority to monitor his internet activity. Despite these measures, authorities discovered that Calvert had attempted to erase evidence of his illicit activities. During a routine check at his home in Accrington on December 13 of the previous year, officers uncovered a laptop containing a vast collection of indecent images, which Calvert had tried to delete.

The court heard that the images included 68 of the most serious category A material, involving children as young as two or three years old. Additionally, there were 159 images classified as category B and a staggering 1,235 images in category C. The severity of the content was emphasized by the fact that Calvert, who was identified as having no fixed address, openly admitted to officers that he was 'sexually attracted to young boys' aged between five and twelve. He further confessed that he could not resist browsing the internet for such material and had even gone as far as cutting out pictures of children from Christmas catalogues to keep as personal mementos.

Calvert pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. As part of his sentencing, he was handed a two-year prison term, along with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. He was also placed under notification requirements for a period of ten years, which entails regular reporting and monitoring of his activities. His criminal record is further complicated by previous convictions, including a 2013 jail sentence for possessing indecent images and committing indecent assault against a young girl.

Prosecutor Stephen Parker detailed the circumstances leading to Calvert’s arrest. Officers had visited his residence after becoming suspicious of his behavior, especially when he quickly retreated to his bedroom upon their arrival. During the search, they found a laptop concealed under a duvet. Calvert admitted that there were 'things that probably shouldn’t be there' and expressed a need for help. His internet history revealed searches that were blatantly related to child pornography, which further implicated him in the ongoing investigation.

When questioned, Calvert explained that the laptop had been in his possession since before his 2013 conviction and that he had managed to delete approximately 200 images prior to the officers’ discovery. He also admitted to being in a 'very low mood' and struggling to control his urges, stating that he 'couldn’t stop going on the internet as it was available and all too tempting.' He revealed that he had not been given the opportunity to participate in a sex offenders treatment program while in custody, which he believed could have helped him manage his compulsions.

Defense counsel Richard Taylor acknowledged Calvert’s guilty plea and highlighted that his client’s issues were not solely related to sexual predilections but also involved substance misuse and depression. Taylor emphasized that Calvert was willing to seek help and access appropriate support services.

In a separate but related case from October 2013, Calvert, then aged 31, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possessing a significant number of indecent images and for a historic sexual assault. The court heard that he had viewed pornography from the age of 13 and had earlier admitted to eight counts involving 670 images of children, ranging from less to more serious categories. Police had seized two computer towers and a laptop from his residence on Mary Street in Burnley.

The sexual assault involved a 12-year-old girl and was disclosed after Calvert voluntarily admitted guilt during a Facebook conversation. His defense argued that he had shown remorse and was seeking professional help through a sexual offenders’ program, although the court expressed concern about his ability to benefit from such intervention in prison.

Judge Beverly Lunt emphasized the seriousness of Calvert’s offenses, stating that she saw no alternative but to impose immediate custody. She ordered that he be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years, confirmed the seizure of his electronic devices and images, and imposed restrictions on his future use of computers and the internet. Additionally, Calvert was banned for life from working with children, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.