RICHARD HEWSON OF DALTON CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN CUMBRIA

In December 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Richard Hewson, a former nurse from Dalton, who has admitted to possessing an alarming number of indecent images of children. Hewson, who previously worked at Furness General Hospital, appeared before magistrates in Barrow to face serious charges related to his possession of these illicit materials.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Hewson, aged 46, pleaded guilty to creating nearly 600 indecent images of minors. The court heard that the offences took place over a span of nearly two months, from November 12 of the previous year to January 9 of this year. The evidence presented indicated that Hewson was found with a total of 571 indecent images, among which 204 were classified as the most severe Category A images, depicting the worst forms of child exploitation.

In addition to the images of children, Hewson also admitted to possessing an 'extreme pornographic' image involving a person engaged in a sex act with a dog. This particular detail added to the gravity of his offences, highlighting a disturbing pattern of illicit activity.

The court was informed that the offences occurred between November 12, 2020, and January 9, 2021. District Judge John Temperley concurred with the prosecution's recommendation that Hewson's case should be transferred to the Crown Court for sentencing, given the seriousness of the crimes.

Hewson, who resides on Ulverston Road in Dalton, is scheduled to appear at Preston Crown Court on February 7 to face sentencing. This case follows a previous incident in which Hewson was sentenced to a community order after admitting to breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Furthermore, in 2017, Hewson was removed from the nursing profession after authorities discovered both still and moving indecent images on his mobile phone, marking a troubling pattern of behavior over several years.