MICHAEL WARBURTON WIVENHOE PAEDOPHILE ADMITS TO VIEWING AND DELETING CHILD ABUSE VIDEOS

In October 2021, authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of child exploitation involving Michael Warburton, a 20-year-old resident of Wivenhoe. The investigation was initiated after police executed a search warrant at Warburton’s home on Vanessa Drive, Wivenhoe, on October 1, 2020. During the search, officers examined multiple electronic devices, including a personal computer that was confirmed to be used exclusively by Warburton.

On this device, law enforcement officials discovered a collection of highly disturbing images and videos. Among these were four images classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency, and three images categorized as Category B. The severity of the content was emphasized during the court proceedings, with the court hearing that Warburton’s online activity initially involved viewing adult pornography before escalating into a morbid obsession with extreme child pornography.

Warburton was charged and subsequently admitted to two counts of making indecent images of children during his trial. The police investigation revealed that the seized videos included some of the most heinous material imaginable. One such video depicted a girl estimated to be between six and eight years old being raped. Another showed a young girl, approximately ten to twelve years old, inserting what appeared to be an electric toothbrush into her vagina. Additionally, there was footage of an eight to ten-year-old girl being sexually abused by an adult male.

Throughout police interviews, Warburton was notably candid about his actions. He admitted to viewing such material over an extended period and explained that he routinely deleted files as he watched them, attempting to avoid detection. Despite these efforts, the police found sufficient evidence to charge him. It was also noted that Warburton’s autism may have influenced his viewing habits, which was considered during sentencing. The court acknowledged his honesty during interviews but emphasized the severity of the images involved.

Recorder William Clegg QC described the Category A images as “of the worst possible kind,” underscoring the gravity of the offenses. In sentencing, the judge took into account Warburton’s youth, previously good character, and his autism. While recognizing these mitigating factors, the judge determined that a custodial sentence was appropriate but chose to suspend it, reflecting a measure of leniency.

Consequently, Warburton was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for 18 months. The sentence was accompanied by a community order for the same period, requiring him to complete a 45-day rehabilitation activity. Furthermore, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for seven years and ordered to pay £745 in costs and surcharge. The court’s decision aimed to balance the seriousness of the offenses with considerations of rehabilitation and public safety.