ADRIAN GARSIDE FROM PADIHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD AND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN BURNLEY

In October 2012, a serious case involving a local businessman from Padiham, Adrian Garside, came to light when he was found to possess a disturbing collection of child and animal pornography. The incident drew significant attention from law enforcement and the local community alike, highlighting the severity of the offenses committed by the 51-year-old resident.

Garside was apprehended after police executed a search warrant at his residence on Victoria Road in Padiham. During the investigation, officers seized his computer and discovered a total of 341 indecent images, including some classified as the most severe category of child abuse. Among these images, the youngest child depicted was believed to be as young as four years old. The images also included explicit content involving animals such as snakes, dogs, pigs, and horses, which is considered extreme pornography.

When questioned by authorities, Garside claimed he had no explanation for possessing such material, particularly the more extreme images. He stated that he had not derived sexual gratification from viewing the images, despite having viewed some repeatedly. The police reports indicated that he initially started by viewing conventional pornography before progressing to more serious and disturbing content. Furthermore, Garside admitted to posing as a woman online to communicate with teenage girls in chat rooms, although he was not charged with any related offenses concerning this activity.

Prosecutor Sarah Statham explained that Garside's case came to light when his computer was linked to a broader investigation involving a man from West Yorkshire. The police found a variety of images on his device, which included some of the most serious child abuse material. The court was informed that 16 images fell into the most severe category, with the youngest victim estimated to be around four years old.

Garside, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to 18 counts of making indecent images of children and 12 charges of possessing extreme pornography, including images involving animals and wildlife. The case was heard at Burnley Magistrates' Court on September 11, after which he was committed to the Crown Court for sentencing.

During the proceedings, Garside expressed remorse and acknowledged his shame, although he struggled to explain why he had viewed the images. His defense attorney, Kristian Cavanagh, highlighted that Garside recognized the risk of immediate imprisonment and was terrified of the prospect. The lawyer also noted that Garside was a man of previously good character, with steady employment history.

Judge Jonathan Gibson sentenced Garside to six months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge also imposed a two-year probation period, mandatory participation in an internet sex offending program, and ordered him to pay £250 in court costs. Additionally, Garside was issued a sex offenders prevention order, restricting his access to the internet without police supervision, and was required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

Judge Gibson emphasized that the sentence was designed not only to punish but also to protect the public and ensure Garside received the necessary help. He stated, “It seems to me, for the protection of the public, that the order I am going to make is a more constructive one.” The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of such harmful material, especially within local communities like Padiham.