STEPHEN CAWLEY FROM LEIGH SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DOWNLOADS IN LIVERPOOL
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Leigh Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Leigh and the wider Liverpool area, Stephen Cawley, aged 53, faced justice at Liverpool Crown Court after a lengthy period of criminal activity involving the possession of indecent images of children. The investigation began when police officers executed a search warrant at Cawley's residence on Manchester Road, Leigh. During the raid, law enforcement officials seized his computer, which upon forensic analysis, revealed a disturbing collection of illicit material.
The digital examination uncovered a total of 31 pornographic videos featuring minors, including five classified in the most severe category of child exploitation material. Additionally, investigators found one extreme pornographic image, further highlighting the severity of the offenses. When questioned by officers at the scene, Cawley did not deny his involvement. He openly admitted to having downloaded such images via email over a period of ten years, claiming that he had deleted the files but had used software designed to erase digital traces, as explained by prosecutor Ben Jones.
At the court hearing, Cawley pleaded guilty to possessing 31 indecent images of children along with one extreme pornographic image. The court was informed of his long-term engagement in this illegal activity, which spanned a decade. The judge, acknowledging the gravity of the crimes, imposed a comprehensive sentence that included a three-year community order. As part of his rehabilitation, Cawley was mandated to attend a rigorous Northumbria sex offenders programme, aimed at addressing his offending behavior.
Furthermore, Cawley was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. To restrict his access to the internet and prevent further offenses, he was also subjected to a Sex Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect for seven years. Throughout the proceedings, his defense solicitor, Andrew McInnes, highlighted that Cawley, who has no prior criminal record, has taken steps to confront and rectify his issues since his arrest. McInnes also noted that Cawley has been married for 15 years and that his wife continues to support him despite the allegations and charges.
The digital examination uncovered a total of 31 pornographic videos featuring minors, including five classified in the most severe category of child exploitation material. Additionally, investigators found one extreme pornographic image, further highlighting the severity of the offenses. When questioned by officers at the scene, Cawley did not deny his involvement. He openly admitted to having downloaded such images via email over a period of ten years, claiming that he had deleted the files but had used software designed to erase digital traces, as explained by prosecutor Ben Jones.
At the court hearing, Cawley pleaded guilty to possessing 31 indecent images of children along with one extreme pornographic image. The court was informed of his long-term engagement in this illegal activity, which spanned a decade. The judge, acknowledging the gravity of the crimes, imposed a comprehensive sentence that included a three-year community order. As part of his rehabilitation, Cawley was mandated to attend a rigorous Northumbria sex offenders programme, aimed at addressing his offending behavior.
Furthermore, Cawley was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. To restrict his access to the internet and prevent further offenses, he was also subjected to a Sex Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect for seven years. Throughout the proceedings, his defense solicitor, Andrew McInnes, highlighted that Cawley, who has no prior criminal record, has taken steps to confront and rectify his issues since his arrest. McInnes also noted that Cawley has been married for 15 years and that his wife continues to support him despite the allegations and charges.