April 2021 Lancaster man had indecent images of youngsters A man has admitted possessing hundreds of indecent images of children. Neil Rankin, 39, of Fife Street, Lancaster, appeared before Lancaster Magistrates’ Court. Prosecutors say he had 399 images deemed category A – the most serious in law, with 62 images deemed category B and 395 more at category C. He indicated guilty pleas to the three charges, relating to July 17, 2020. The bench committed his case to Preston Crown Court, where he is expected to be sentenced on May 21. He must sign the Sex Offender’s register on an interim basis in the meantime. The UK government is working with organisations including the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Marie Collins Foundation to ensure people know the law around possessing such images – which can lead to a maximum five year jail term.