OWEN WRIGHT FROM RUNCORN SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES IN CHESTER
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Runcorn, Owen Wright, aged 30, was found guilty of possessing and distributing some of the most heinous child abuse images.The incident came to light after Cheshire Police executed a search warrant at his residence on The Calvers, The Brow, Runcorn, on January 14, 2021.
During the operation, officers seized two iPhones, a Samsung phone, and a small quantity of drugs, which were later examined for evidence.
Prosecutor Jade Tufail presented the case at Chester Crown Court, which was sitting in magistrates’ court.
She revealed that the devices recovered from Wright contained a total of 327 indecent images, many of which depicted victims being horrendously abused.
The investigation uncovered that Wright had been actively using social media platforms such as Snapchat and Kik Messenger, as well as “mega links,” to communicate with others about indecent material and to exchange explicit images.
Further analysis of Wright’s devices showed that he had engaged in conversations seeking similar images, often requesting “younger” victims.
His messages included inquiries like “do you have younger?” and “send younger images,” along with a request for “new ones because he had lost his collection.” These exchanges clearly indicated his interest in obtaining and sharing child abuse material.
When questioned by police, Owen Wright admitted ownership of the devices and social media accounts, acknowledging that he had been involved in the distribution of such images.
However, he claimed that he did not have a sexual interest in children, a statement that was met with skepticism given the evidence.
Wright subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of indecent images, distribution, and making such material.
He also admitted to a separate charge of simple possession of Class B cannabis.
The charges related to the indecent images spanned from August 2015 to October 2021.
The evidence included 327 images, with the making of 46 videos and 80 still images classified as Category A, which is reserved for the most severe abuse material.
Additional content included six videos and 73 still images at Category B, and four videos and 116 stills at Category C.
The distribution charges involved 16 images at Category A, 11 at Category B, and 11 at Category C.
Judge Simon Berkson, presiding over the case, was briefed on the nature of the material by Ms.
Tufail.
She described the content as involving “pre-pubescent” victims as young as three years old, with some images depicting rape and other forms of severe abuse.
One particularly disturbing example involved a girl aged approximately seven to nine years being subjected to sexual assault.
At the time of sentencing, Wright was unemployed, having lost his job as a chef after his guilty plea became known.
The judge reminded the court that Wright had attributed his involvement in sharing these images to drug use, claiming he was “a different man” under the influence.
Prosecutor Mr.
Lever acknowledged that Wright had used both Class A and Class B drugs but stated that he was now “clean.” In sentencing, Judge Berkson imposed a prison term of two years and four months to be served immediately.
He also ordered Wright to pay £420 in costs, placed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on him for ten years, and required him to register as a sex offender.
Additionally, the court approved the deprivation of the phones used to commit the offenses.
As the sentence was handed down, the judge emphasized the severity of the images, particularly noting the inclusion of Category A material, which constitutes “the most terrible child abuse images,” and the fact that these images had been distributed.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution of child abuse images and highlights the devastating impact such material has on victims.
The community of Runcorn and beyond is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to child exploitation.
