ROGER ROWLEY FROM LEEDS CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF ILLEGAL CHILD IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leeds, actor Roger Rowley was found in possession of a large collection of indecent and prohibited images of children.The incident came to light in 2019, when police uncovered evidence linking him to the illegal material.
According to reports, police became aware on December 15, 2018, that indecent images had been accessed from Rowley's IP address.
This led to a search warrant being executed at his residence on Scotland Way in Horsforth, as well as at his place of work on June 25, 2019.
During these searches, officers seized multiple devices, including a MacBook computer and an SD card, which contained a significant number of illicit images.
Investigations revealed that a total of 1,534 indecent images, both still and moving, were stored across the devices.
Of these, 365 were classified as the most serious category, indicating the highest level of harm.
Additionally, 250 images fell into category B, and 919 into category C, with the children depicted ranging in age from as young as one year old to 16 years old.
The material also included animated images portraying children being abused, with victims estimated to be between four and six years old.
Prosecutors stated that Rowley's activities with these images appeared to have begun as early as 2014.
Evidence showed he used specific internet search terms to locate such material and organized the images into folders with names like 'personal films,' 'naughty,' and 'lol.' During police interviews, Rowley admitted to being addicted to downloading these images, comparing his compulsion to heroin addiction.
He claimed he intended to stop before his 34th birthday.
At Leeds Crown Court, the 34-year-old actor pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.
Rowley is known for his role as the lead in 'Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,' a highly acclaimed West End production.
He previously played the same role in an amateur production at Yeadon Town Hall and studied at the Guildford School of Acting.
Judge Penelope Belcher sentenced Rowley to a three-year community order, which includes requirements to complete a sexual offender programme and 40 days of rehabilitation activities.
He was also placed on the sex offender register for five years and subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
The court was informed that Rowley's brother and his wife are aware of his conviction and permit him to maintain contact with their children.
However, any ongoing contact will require approval from family courts or social services to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.
