NICHOLAS VARELA FROM BURNLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Burnley, Nicholas Varela, a 50-year-old man residing on Manchester Road, was found guilty of possessing and distributing indecent images of children. The incident came to light after authorities traced his online activities to a US-based website where he had uploaded some of the illicit material, leading to a detailed investigation and subsequent court proceedings at Preston Crown Court.

According to the prosecution, the investigation was initiated when Varela’s online activity was linked to the username “Badlands,” which he used to post indecent images. A warrant was executed at his residence in November 2006, during which his computer was seized for analysis. The examination revealed a significant collection of images, predominantly of legal adult pornography, but also including a disturbing number of child abuse images.

Specifically, authorities discovered a total of 349 indecent images of children stored on his computer. While most of these images were classified as the lowest level of seriousness, there were several at higher levels—10 images categorized as levels 2 and 3, five at level 4, and three at the most severe level 5. Varela had admitted to 12 counts of making indecent images of children and four counts of distributing such material.

During the court hearing, Mr. Jacob Dyer, representing the prosecution, outlined the details of the investigation and the evidence found. The case highlighted the disturbing nature of the images and the fact that Varela had actively uploaded some of this material online, which compounded the severity of his actions.

Varela’s defense, led by Mr. Tim Storrie, argued that none of the images had been burned onto discs, suggesting a lesser degree of intent. The defense also emphasized that Varela had shown remorse and had taken steps towards rehabilitation, including seeking counseling and reflecting on his actions over the past two years. Mr. Storrie described Varela as having exhibited naivety when he first used computers and noted that the defendant had undergone a “full confessional effect,” indicating a period of remorse and acknowledgment of his wrongdoing.

In sentencing, the court handed Varela a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with two years of supervision. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in an Internet sex offenders’ programme. The judge also mandated that Varela be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the potential risk to the community.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the importance of monitoring digital activity to prevent such heinous crimes from going unnoticed.