RICHARD LOVETT JAILED IN LEIGH FOR CHILD PORN OFFENSES AND BREACH OF COURT ORDERS

In a case that has shocked the community of Leigh, Richard Lovett, a 23-year-old man, was sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of possessing child pornography for the second time. The conviction highlights a disturbing pattern of behavior that persisted despite previous court interventions and restrictions.

Lovett's latest arrest occurred when police officers visited his residence in Leigh on May 15, 2012. The officers had been alerted to his activities after a computer repair shop in Leigh, the Comet store, discovered a file with an incriminating title on a computer that was brought in for servicing. The staff at the store promptly reported their findings to the police, leading to a search warrant being issued for Lovett’s home in Pickley Green, Leigh.

During the raid, law enforcement officials seized a computer and related electronic devices for forensic analysis. The investigation uncovered a disturbing collection of digital material, including a total of 346 indecent photographs and 198 video files. Prosecutors revealed that among these, 99 photographs and 98 videos fell into the most severe categories of child pornography, indicating the explicit exploitation of minors.

Neil Biswarya, representing the prosecution, told Liverpool Crown Court that the police found seven cartoons depicting indecent images of young boys on Lovett’s mobile phone. Further analysis revealed that Lovett had concealed a computer inside a loudspeaker, which he used to access internet chat rooms. During these online interactions, he pretended to be a 14-year-old boy, engaging in conversations that further demonstrated his disturbing tendencies.

Lovett’s criminal record includes a previous conviction in September 2010 for possessing child pornography. At that time, a court had imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) restricting his internet use, requiring him to have specific software installed on his computer to prevent access to illegal material. However, despite these court orders, Lovett was found to have flouted the restrictions, continuing his illicit activities.

Judge Alan Conrad, QC, presided over the case and expressed his concern about Lovett’s behavior. In his remarks, he stated, “In my judgment, you are a young man with disturbing paedophile tendencies.” The judge also noted that a probation report described Lovett as “presenting a high risk of further sexual offending,” emphasizing the seriousness of his actions. The judge pointed out that Lovett is a resourceful and intelligent individual but also manipulative when it suits him.

As a consequence of his latest offenses, Lovett was sentenced to eight months in prison. Additionally, the court imposed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which restricts his internet use and requires him to have software installed to prevent access to illegal content. Lovett was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

During the proceedings, Andrew Costello, Lovett’s defense lawyer, acknowledged his client’s guilty plea and expressed hope that Lovett would address his issues. He pointed out that Lovett had not installed the required software on his computer but had inquired about doing so prior to police intervention.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and judicial authorities in tackling the possession and distribution of child pornography. It also highlights the importance of strict enforcement of court orders designed to prevent reoffending and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.