STEPHEN MABBERLEY FROM PENWORTHAM INVOLVED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE AT PRESTON CROWN COURT

In March 2013, a serious criminal case unfolded involving Stephen Mabberley, a 64-year-old IT business owner from Penwortham, near Preston. Mabberley faced multiple charges related to the possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornography, which culminated in a court hearing at Preston Crown Court.

Stephen Patrick Mabberley, who resides at Wembley Court in Penwortham, was found guilty of eight counts of possessing indecent images and two counts of possessing extreme pornographic material. The charges stemmed from a police investigation into his computer activities, revealing that he had stored illicit images on his personal device. Mabberley is known as the head of Mabart Computing, a company based on Springfield Street in Preston’s Plungington area. His business caters to high-profile clients, including several multi-million-pound firms, and he has publicly described himself as a “friendly, honest and reliable IT man” on his company’s website.

However, this reputation was shattered when he was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, by Judge Simon Newell. The court also imposed a lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) on Mabberley and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The restrictions placed upon him are extensive; he is prohibited from working with children, must undergo 18 months of supervision, and is only allowed to use a computer if it can retain a browsing history that police can inspect at any time.

Following his conviction, Mabberley was approached by a reporter from the Evening Post. He denied the court case had taken place, dismissing it as “a nasty rumour.” Despite his denial, the court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the crimes he committed. It is understood that Mabberley, who previously worked as a project manager, established his business in 2001 and has been involved in the computing industry for over two decades.

Detective Constable Steve Towler commented on the case, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “This was a long, protracted and complicated investigation. The fact Mabberley has been given a lifelong SOPO reflects the serious and concerning nature of the images he had in his possession,” he stated. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of illegal and harmful material, especially involving vulnerable minors.