June 2013 Pervert from Nelson downloaded child abuse images using computer at Colne library A MAN who downloaded child porn images in a library and transferred them to his home computer has been sent for treatment. Bachelor Philip Metcalfe, 52, who didn’t have internet access at home, was found to have a stash of 71 sexual images of naked or semi-naked boys when police searched his house. Burnley magistrates were told how Metcalfe, who claimed he didn’t think he was doing anything wrong, told police the pictures were pleasant to look at, but he didn’t get any sexual kick out of them. He was said by the prosecution to have shown an ‘almost childlike’ connection with the images. The defendant, of Reedyford Road, Nelson, had earlier admitted making an indecent photograph of a child, at Colne, on or between January 7, 2003 and September 15, 2012. He was given a three year supervision order, which will include the Internet Sex Offenders’ Treatment programme. Metcalfe was ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs and must sign the sex offenders’ register for five years. The court was told how Metcalfe, who is on benefits, was caught after a fellow library user reported disconcerting behaviour. Police discovered 71 images, all at level one, the least serious level, on the home computer. The images showed naked or semi-naked young men under 16. No sexual activity was shown. Joanne Haworth, for Metcalfe, told the court he had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and made full admissions in interview. She said: “He thought these were just families participating in naturism activities.” Sentencing, chairman Jack Paley told the defendant the bench was concerned about the fact the images were accessed in a public place. Julie Bell, head of Lancashire County Council’s library service, said: “We alerted the police as soon as we were made aware of this activity and have co-operated fully with their enquiries.” She said all public computers had filter, but some inappropriate images may slip through. The system was continually being updated.