PHILIP METCALFE FROM NELSON CAUGHT DOWNLOADING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AT COLNE LIBRARY

In June 2013, a disturbing case emerged involving Philip Metcalfe, a 52-year-old man from Nelson, who was found to have engaged in illegal activity involving child abuse images. The incident took place at a public library in Colne, where Metcalfe used a computer to download and view illicit images before transferring them to his personal home computer.

Police investigations revealed that Metcalfe, who did not have internet access at his residence, had a collection of 71 images depicting naked or semi-naked boys. These images were classified as level one, indicating the least severe category of child abuse material, and did not show any sexual activity. The police search of his home uncovered this stash, raising serious concerns about his actions and intentions.

During court proceedings at Burnley Magistrates, it was disclosed that Metcalfe had earlier admitted to making an indecent photograph of a child, with the offense spanning from January 7, 2003, to September 15, 2012. Despite his claims that he believed the images were harmless and that he found them 'pleasant to look at,' the prosecution highlighted that Metcalfe exhibited an 'almost childlike' connection to the images, which suggested a troubling level of engagement.

Metcalfe, who resides on Reedyford Road in Nelson and is currently on benefits, was also ordered to undergo treatment through the Internet Sex Offenders' Treatment programme. He received a three-year supervision order, which includes participation in this specialized program aimed at addressing his behavior. Additionally, he was mandated to pay a victim surcharge of £60, along with £85 in court costs, and was required to register as a sex offender for five years.

It was revealed that Metcalfe's illegal activity was brought to light after a fellow library user noticed his unsettling behavior and reported it to authorities. The library's head, Julie Bell of Lancashire County Council, confirmed that the library service responded swiftly by alerting the police and cooperating fully with their investigation. She also noted that all public computers in the library were equipped with filtering systems designed to prevent access to inappropriate content, although some images might occasionally bypass these safeguards, which are continually being updated.

Joanne Haworth, representing Metcalfe, stated that her client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had been fully honest during police interviews. She explained that Metcalfe believed the images to be related to naturism or family activities, not realizing the severity of his actions. The court's sentencing remarks, delivered by Chairman Jack Paley, expressed concern over the fact that the images were accessed in a public setting, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the need for ongoing monitoring and treatment.