PETER CROFT FROM CHORLEY JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chorley, a former headteacher has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to serious charges related to child pornography. Peter Croft, aged 43 and residing on Yew Tree Close, was found guilty of possessing and distributing a vast collection of illicit images and videos depicting children.

The court was informed that Croft had accumulated and shared more than 500 indecent photographs and video clips, with approximately 80 percent of these images featuring young boys, many of whom were under the age of eight. The charges against him included possession of over 497 child pornographic images and 26 video clips, highlighting the extent of his involvement in this heinous activity.

Prior to his arrest, Croft served as the headteacher at The Willows RC Primary School in Kirkham for approximately 11 years. His position of trust and responsibility was abruptly shattered when authorities apprehended him last autumn. The investigation revealed that Croft engaged in online exchanges with other individuals who shared similar disturbing interests. He downloaded the illicit content onto his home computer and subsequently distributed it through messaging platforms such as MSN and via email accounts.

It is important to note that there was no evidence suggesting Croft personally took any of the photographs or sent them directly to acquaintances. His home was raided by police after authorities uncovered his internet activity during an international investigation into child pornography networks. During the court proceedings, Croft was visibly emotional, weeping as he was described as having 'plunged headlong into a world of shame and humiliation.'

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Hazel Stewart issued a stern warning, emphasizing the seriousness with which such offenses are treated. She stated, “Anyone who commits offences of this nature will be targeted and put before the courts. We actively investigate online activity and will take robust action against people we suspect of committing such offences. If anyone is concerned about the internet use of people they know, we would urge them to tell us. Any information we receive will be treated in confidence and will be investigated.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Croft, who had no prior criminal record, was disqualified from working with children and will be required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from potential harm.