WILLIAM ROGERS FROM DARENW HAD THE WORST SEXUAL OFFENCE RECORD SEEN BY JUDGE IN ACCRINGTON AND PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, William Alfred Rogers, a 58-year-old resident of Entwistle Street in Darwen, was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing offences related to child exploitation and indecent images. The incident that led to his conviction occurred on August 28, 2009, when staff at a Boots store in Accrington discovered Rogers printing images of children. The store employees noticed the suspicious activity and alerted authorities, which prompted a police investigation into Rogers' actions.

Following the report, police executed a search warrant at Rogers' home on September 3, 2009. During the search, officers found evidence of his involvement in possessing indecent images of children, along with photographs he had taken himself. Rogers had previously contacted the police, claiming he was being harassed by youths near his residence. However, the images he had captured with his camera depicted children playing innocently near St Peter's Church, raising serious concerns about his intentions and preoccupations.

Rogers was brought before Preston Crown Court, where he faced multiple charges. The court heard that he possessed approximately 40 indecent images, including three counts related to the possession of such material. These images were found both on his camera and at his address. Additionally, Rogers was charged with breaching his sexual offenders prevention order, which he had been subject to since earlier convictions, by possessing a camera.

Judge Norman Wright presided over the case and delivered a stern warning about Rogers' dangerous history. He stated that Rogers' record was the worst the judge had encountered in terms of sexual offences. Rogers has an extensive criminal history, with over 30 previous convictions dating back to 1968, when he was still a teenager. His past offences include a four-year prison sentence for rape in 1979, followed by numerous other convictions for indecent assault and exposure spanning from 1984 to 1993. In December 1994, Rogers was jailed again for three counts of gross indecency with a child. His criminal record also includes a sentence exceeding nine years for indecent assaults.

During sentencing, Judge Wright emphasized the ongoing danger Rogers posed to the public. He remarked, “These photos are worrying because they are children in everyday life. Your fascination and preoccupation with children carry on, and you feel the need to take these pictures. You are quite capable of being quiescent—passive—but you can then break out and commit serious sexual offences. You associate with other like-minded people, and that is a worrying aspect.”

Rogers was sentenced to a total of two years and eight months in prison. Upon release, he will be subject to a further three years on licence, ensuring continued supervision. The court's decision reflects the severity of his repeated offences and the potential risk he continues to pose to society.