ALAN MORTON FROM RANDLAY, TELFORD SENTENCED FOR MASSIVE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN SHREWSBURY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Telford, Alan Morton, a 44-year-old resident of Boulton Grange, Randlay, was sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of possessing an astonishing number of indecent images of children. The proceedings took place at Shrewsbury Crown Court, where the court was informed that the quantity of illicit material discovered was the largest ever encountered by the investigating detective involved in the case.

According to court records, Morton pleaded guilty to 15 separate charges related to child exploitation and indecency. These charges included the sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13, two counts of creating indecent photographs of a child under 13, and possession of a staggering 1,237 indecent videos featuring minors. Additionally, he faced 10 charges of producing indecent videos and images of children, as well as possession of a total of 197,509 indecent photographs of minors.

The offenses spanned a period from June 2007 to January 2009, during which Morton engaged in these criminal activities. The court heard that the severity and volume of the images were unprecedented, highlighting the extent of his illicit activities.

Judge Paul Glenn handed down the sentence, which included 12 months in prison for the sexual assault charge. For the charges related to creating indecent photographs, Morton received two months for each count, to be served concurrently. The remaining charges, involving the possession and creation of indecent videos and images, resulted in 16 months for each, with these sentences to run consecutively to the other terms, leading to a total imprisonment period of two and a half years.

The case was brought to light after Morton was involved in a car accident in North Wales. During the investigation, a police officer examined a mobile phone found in his vehicle and uncovered the extensive collection of child exploitation images. This discovery prompted further investigation and ultimately led to his arrest and prosecution.

During the court proceedings, Mr. Andrew Barkley, the prosecutor, emphasized the gravity of the offenses and the impact on the victims. In contrast, Morton’s defense lawyer, Mr. Mark Sharman, stated that his client has come to terms with his actions and is seeking help to address his behavior, indicating some level of remorse and acknowledgment of the severity of his crimes.