ANDREW CONTENTO FROM ROCK FERRY CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND VIOLATES SEXUAL HARM PREVENTION ORDER

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about child exploitation, Andrew Contento, a resident of Rock Ferry, was caught in a series of criminal acts involving indecent images of children. The incident unfolded on the morning of July 24 this year when Merseyside Police officers conducted a routine visit to his home on Rock Lane East, as part of the conditions set by his existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Contento, aged 54, initially cooperated with the officers, handing over three electronic devices upon request. However, he insisted that he had no additional devices to disclose. The police then brought in a specially-trained digital media detection dog, known as PD Monty, to conduct a thorough search of the premises. The dog quickly identified a hidden mobile phone inside a rucksack placed near Contento’s feet.

At this point, Contento reacted with a statement of resignation, saying, “You’re going to lock me up. I know what’s on it.” He then interrupted the proceedings, vehemently denying any wrongdoing by shouting, “Liar. That’s a lie.” Despite his protests, the police continued their investigation. During a subsequent search and analysis of the device, authorities uncovered a collection of highly disturbing content. The phone contained 24 indecent videos classified as Category A, which includes the most severe forms of abuse. Among these was a 31-minute compilation depicting a girl as young as 12 being raped, and a five-minute, 35-second clip showing a four-year-old girl being forced to perform a sex act on an adult male.

Further examination revealed 15 videos and 34 images categorized as Category B and C, respectively. The Category B content included 13 videos, while the Category C material comprised five movies. Additionally, the hard drive contained 29 cartoon or CGI images, indicating a disturbing interest in child exploitation material in various formats.

Prior to this incident, Contento had a history of similar offenses. He was first issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order in 2009 after being convicted of making indecent images of children. His criminal record was further reinforced in 2015 when he was found with a vile stash of child abuse material, leading to an amended SHPO. Despite these restrictions, he continued to access and possess illegal content.

During police interviews, Contento admitted to collecting indecent images for his sexual gratification, although he initially denied any ongoing possession of such material. His actions and the evidence collected led to multiple charges, including three counts of making indecent images, possession of prohibited images, and breaching his SHPO.

He appeared via video link from HMP Altcourse and was subsequently sentenced to 20 months in prison. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his offenses and the ongoing threat posed by individuals with such criminal histories.

In a related case from March 2015, Contento, then 46, was sentenced to a total of four years and two months after being found with a significant collection of child abuse images. Despite being on a strict community order and a SHPO that prohibited possession of devices capable of accessing the internet or taking photographs, he was caught in Bromborough with two mobile phones and other illicit materials. Police discovered 303 child porn images on his devices, along with a range of other disturbing content, including videos and photographs of children and infants.

During his trial, Contento admitted to having a problem and acknowledged the need for help. Nevertheless, Judge Brian Lewis emphasized the high risk he posed to the public, especially to pre-pubescent girls, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life. The judge also imposed a Sexual Harm Offences Order restricting his internet access, noting that despite previous leniency in 2009, he had continued to commit similar offenses, disregarding the restrictions placed upon him.