SAMUEL NUTTALL FROM HASLINGDEN CAUGHT WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In September 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving Samuel Nuttall, a former soldier from Haslingden, who was found to be in possession of illegal and highly disturbing images involving children. The incident came to light when authorities uncovered evidence linking him to the distribution and possession of child sex abuse material.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Samuel Stephen Nuttall, aged 30 and residing on Townsend Street in Haslingden, admitted to possessing a range of illicit images. Specifically, he pleaded guilty to creating one Category A image, which is classified as the most severe form of child abuse material, along with ten Category B images and thirteen Category C images, all depicting children in various states of abuse. Additionally, he was found to possess five prohibited images of children, which are images that are illegal to possess under current legislation.

The court was informed that Nuttall had explained his actions by claiming he was in a “dark place” at the time, following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. His mental state and personal circumstances appeared to be a factor in his behavior, but the court emphasized the seriousness of his crimes.

District Judge John McGarva sentenced Nuttall to a two-year community order, which includes 20 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing underlying issues. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £95 and an additional fine of £85. The judge also mandated that Nuttall complete a Sex Offender Treatment Programme and imposed notification requirements that will last for five years. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was issued against him for a period of three years, restricting his activities and access to certain online platforms.

During the sentencing, Judge McGarva underscored the gravity of the offences, stating, “These are not victimless crimes. It is not just about you getting gratification from indecent images. Children are being abused in these images, they are suffering, and if it wasn’t for people like you, there would be no market for these images, and the children would not suffer.”

The case was initiated after police executed a warrant at Nuttall’s residence following information that he had uploaded indecent images to an Instagram account. The account was registered in his name and included his date of birth and phone number, which facilitated the investigation. During police interviews, Nuttall admitted to having a preference for teenage pornography, further revealing his troubling mindset. He told officers that he was in a “very dark place” and expressed that he would never want to see a child hurt, though his actions clearly indicated otherwise.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child abuse images and underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable victims from exploitation.