PAUL ADAMSON FROM BOLTON CAUGHT DOWNLOADING CHILD IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Bolton community, Paul Adamson, a resident of Thornham Drive, Sharples, was found guilty of possessing and downloading a significant number of indecent images of children.The incident came to light in April of the previous year when police executed a search warrant at Adamson’s home, leading to the seizure of his desktop computer.
During the police investigation, authorities discovered that Adamson’s computer contained nearly 1,300 illegal images, including several videos depicting children in explicit situations.
The court was informed that Adamson had taken deliberate steps to hide his illicit activities by installing erasing software and other tools designed to conceal evidence.
Despite these efforts, investigators were able to recover the incriminating files.
Bolton Crown Court heard that Adamson’s computer was thoroughly examined, revealing 152 images classified as Category A, which are considered the most serious, along with 228 images in Category B and 918 in Category C.
Prosecutor Simon Barrett explained that Adamson had actively tried to destroy evidence by installing a Tor browser, which allows anonymous internet use, as well as Freenet software.
Additionally, he used Eraser, a program specifically designed to remove recoverable traces of files and activity from his device.
Police reports indicated that the images depicted children aged between six and 16 years old.
These images had been downloaded over a period of six months, highlighting a sustained pattern of offending.
When questioned by authorities, Adamson, a working man and father of two, fully admitted to the charges, claiming that he had been downloading the images from what he called the “dark web.” In court, Adamson pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children.
The judge, Timothy Stead, sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
As part of the court’s ruling, Adamson was ordered to participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities and to pay £250 towards prosecution costs.
Furthermore, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years.
During the sentencing, the judge also addressed Adamson’s request to have his computer returned, minus the hard drives containing the illegal images.
However, Judge Stead firmly rejected this plea, stating, “I direct that the computer is to be forfeit and destroyed.
It is something that you used in order to commit offences and you used it in its entirety.” The court emphasized that the device was an integral part of Adamson’s offending and must be permanently removed from his possession to prevent further harm.
