ANDREW GIBBONS IN FEARNHEAD ESCAPES JAIL BUT RECEIVES COMMUNITY ORDER

In October 2007, Andrew Gibbons, aged 25, from Kinross Close, Fearnhead, was handed a three-year community order after admitting to possessing and making indecent images of young girls. Judge Nicholas Woodward stated that this sentence was not a 'soft option.'

Warrington Crown Court heard that Gibbons had downloaded 17 extremely graphic images depicting girls under the age of 10, along with access to over 30 additional images, during a month-long period earlier that year. He pleaded guilty to 15 charges related to making indecent images and one charge of possessing such images.

The court described how Gibbons was caught in February after using a cable from another residence in the street—belonging to a girl who cannot be identified—to access the images. When the girl reported this to the police, Gibbons was arrested. Initially denying ownership, he later admitted his offences.

Defense lawyer Michael Davies argued that Gibbons should avoid jail time, claiming he posed only a low risk of committing further sexual abuse. He said, "This was not an established pattern of behaviour. Having had the plight of the victims explained, he began to show an understanding for them."

Judge Woodward, who viewed the disturbing images privately due to their distressing nature, expressed significant concern about the age of the girls depicted. He described the images as "completely repugnant" and commented, "You were living a rather sad and pathetic life. This is not a soft option. If I were to send you to prison it could only be a short sentence and you would be out within a matter of weeks."

Instead, the judge emphasized the importance of rehabilitation through treatment programmes, stating, "It is more desirable that you are compelled to work in a treatment programme." Gibbons was also ordered to register as a sex offender and is barred from working with children.