TREVOR HOWARD FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED AFTER DISCOVERED WITH CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGES IN BLACKBURN

In November 2018, Trevor Howard, a resident of Blackburn, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found in possession of a significant collection of indecent images depicting children. The case highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding online child exploitation and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling such offenses.

Howard, aged 60 at the time, was identified as a registered sex offender who had previously come under police scrutiny for similar offenses. His latest arrest was triggered when authorities discovered he possessed more than 150 images classified at the highest level of severity concerning child sexual abuse material. These images included 71 category B pictures, which are considered highly serious, and an alarming 962 category C images, indicating a disturbing pattern of offending behavior.

Prior to this incident, Howard had already been in trouble with the law. He had previously breached the terms of a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) on three separate occasions by possessing internet-enabled devices, which he was explicitly barred from having under the restrictions of his order. These breaches led to an earlier jail sentence of 18 months, reflecting the seriousness with which the courts viewed his repeated violations.

Howard’s criminal history dates back to 2004, when he was first convicted after admitting to an addiction to child pornography. At that time, he was living on Whalley Old Road and was considered a respected member of his community, with no prior convictions. His initial admission revealed a troubling dependency on viewing indecent images, which he described as an addiction that had developed over time. Prosecutors noted that Howard’s involvement with such material was initially driven by feelings of isolation, but it soon escalated into a compulsive behavior akin to drug addiction. He admitted to sharing images with others and expressed shame over his actions.

During the 2004 hearing, Howard explained that his curiosity had led him down a dark path, eventually resulting in a significant collection of illegal images. Despite his remorse, the severity of his offenses was clear, and he was sentenced to a year in prison. His case drew attention to the dangers of online exploitation and the importance of monitoring offenders even after initial convictions.

Fast forward to October 2018, Howard appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with multiple offenses related to child sexual abuse images. He pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited image of a child, along with 156 category A images—the most serious classification—71 category B images, and 962 category C images. The court was informed that he was in custody at the time, awaiting sentencing for breaching his SOPO by possessing internet-enabled devices, which had been analyzed and linked to the new charges.

Prosecutor Tracy Yates stated that the Crown Court judge overseeing Howard’s case was aware of these additional offenses and intended to consolidate all charges for sentencing scheduled for November 2 at Preston Crown Court. The case underscored the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Howard, who continued to access and possess illegal material despite previous convictions and court orders.

Howard’s criminal conduct has been a matter of public concern, especially given his history of addiction and the repeated breaches of court orders designed to prevent further offenses. His case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers associated with online child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable victims and prevent such heinous crimes from continuing.