ANDREW COLE FROM BLETTINGDON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN OXFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bletchingdon and the wider Oxford area, Andrew Cole, a 62-year-old resident of Station Road, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after admitting to possessing and viewing a vast collection of indecent images of children. The court heard that Cole had downloaded more than 15,000 such images, a revelation that prompted the judge to describe his actions as “utterly repugnant.”

His arrest took place on May 8 of the previous year when police officers, acting on an investigation into online child exploitation, discovered Cole actively engaged on the internet. During the subsequent search, authorities seized multiple devices, including a laptop, a desktop computer, and two external hard drives, all of which contained a significant number of illegal images.

Prosecutor Cathy Olliver detailed to Oxford Crown Court that the police found thousands of photographs and videos depicting children being sexually abused. She explained that Cole initially claimed to have downloaded “hundreds” of indecent images but insisted he had not shared any of these over the internet. However, Mrs. Olliver emphasized that this was an underestimation, as the evidence from the seized devices indicated a consistent pattern of downloading these illicit materials since 2007.

Mrs. Olliver further stated that the investigation revealed Cole’s activities spanned several years, highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior. The images and videos found on his devices painted a picture of ongoing, systematic collection of child abuse material, which the court described as deeply troubling.

In his defense, Jane Malcolm, representing Cole, expressed remorse, stating, “He has put his hands up and done that from an early opportunity because he feels incredible sorrow and shame about what he has done.” Malcolm also noted that Cole was eager to participate in any sex offender rehabilitation programs available during his time in prison, indicating a willingness to address his actions and seek help.

Judge Mary Jane Mowat, presiding over the case, condemned Cole’s conduct as morally reprehensible and ordered the 62-year-old to serve a prison sentence, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims and society at large.