BLACKBURN PENSIONER MICHAEL BAGNALL CAUGHT WITH BESTIALITY IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Blackburn, a 69-year-old pensioner named Michael Bagnall was found to have downloaded more than 100 images depicting bestiality.The incident came to light when police executed a search warrant at his residence in Cunliffe Close, Blackburn, in October 2013.
During the search, authorities uncovered a collection of extreme pornographic images involving animals such as dogs and horses, which Bagnall had stored on his computer.
The court was informed that Bagnall had been visiting various bestiality websites between 2009 and 2012, accumulating a significant number of illicit images.
Despite this, the prosecution noted that Bagnall had not accessed these images again after initially downloading them and had even taken steps to delete some of the material.
However, the evidence was sufficient to establish his possession of these disturbing images.
When questioned about the seized devices, Bagnall attempted to shift blame onto other family members, including his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.
He claimed that they were responsible for downloading the offensive material, which led to a tense situation involving his family members, some of whom were present in court to give evidence.
His grandson, in particular, was called upon to deny the false accusations made by Bagnall.
Ultimately, Bagnall admitted his guilt on the day of his trial at Preston Crown Court, pleading guilty to a single charge of possessing extreme pornographic images.
The Crown Prosecution Service chose not to pursue charges related to indecent images of children, focusing solely on the bestiality material.
Judge Stuart Baker described Bagnall’s conduct as 'revolting and unpleasant,' emphasizing that such behavior contributes to the abuse of animals.
He condemned the activity as morally repugnant and noted that it is universally regarded as unacceptable by society.
The judge also criticized Bagnall for denying his guilt until the very day of the trial, which forced police to take statements from his family members, including his grandson, to clarify the circumstances.
In sentencing, Judge Baker acknowledged that Bagnall had no previous convictions, was in poor health, and was caring for his wife.
As a result, he sentenced Bagnall to 32 weeks in prison, suspended for two years.
Additionally, Bagnall was ordered to complete a two-year activity restriction order and pay costs amounting to £1,200.
A forfeiture and destruction order was also issued to ensure the removal of the illegal images from his possession.
