CALLAM WATLING FROM SAUGHALL INVOLVED IN CHILD INDECENT IMAGE CASE IN CHESTER
| Red Rose Database
Saughall Child Sexual Abuser
In June 2021, a troubling case emerged involving a young man from Chester who was found to possess multiple indecent images of children. The individual, identified as Callam Watling, aged 19 and residing on Hermitage Road in Saughall, appeared before Chester Magistrates Court to face serious charges related to the possession of these illicit materials.
During the court proceedings held on Friday, June 18, it was revealed that Watling had pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. The court was informed that his actions were motivated by a misguided desire to act as a paedophile hunter, believing that possessing such images would enable him to identify and catch online predators.
The prosecution outlined that the images and videos in question were obtained over a period spanning from March to October 2020. Among the materials found were four video files and four still images classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe level of indecency. These particular images included a child estimated to be between two and three years old, depicted in a state of significant distress, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material.
In addition to the Category A content, there were six still images categorized as Category B, and a further 33 images classified as Category C, indicating varying degrees of severity but all contributing to the seriousness of the case.
During the hearing, Watling’s defense attorney, Andy Holliday, explained that his client had viewed videos of paedophile hunters and claimed that his intent was to do something positive during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Holliday emphasized that Watling had not personally downloaded the images but had been sent them by online predators, which he believed was part of his misguided effort to understand and combat online abuse.
As part of the sentence, the magistrates imposed a three-year community order on Watling. This order includes a requirement for him to participate in a 30-day rehabilitation activity and to complete an accredited sex offender treatment program. Furthermore, he is mandated to perform 300 hours of unpaid community service, pay a victim surcharge of £95, and cover court costs amounting to £85. Additionally, Watling is required to register as a sex offender, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the court’s commitment to public safety.
During the court proceedings held on Friday, June 18, it was revealed that Watling had pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. The court was informed that his actions were motivated by a misguided desire to act as a paedophile hunter, believing that possessing such images would enable him to identify and catch online predators.
The prosecution outlined that the images and videos in question were obtained over a period spanning from March to October 2020. Among the materials found were four video files and four still images classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe level of indecency. These particular images included a child estimated to be between two and three years old, depicted in a state of significant distress, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material.
In addition to the Category A content, there were six still images categorized as Category B, and a further 33 images classified as Category C, indicating varying degrees of severity but all contributing to the seriousness of the case.
During the hearing, Watling’s defense attorney, Andy Holliday, explained that his client had viewed videos of paedophile hunters and claimed that his intent was to do something positive during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Holliday emphasized that Watling had not personally downloaded the images but had been sent them by online predators, which he believed was part of his misguided effort to understand and combat online abuse.
As part of the sentence, the magistrates imposed a three-year community order on Watling. This order includes a requirement for him to participate in a 30-day rehabilitation activity and to complete an accredited sex offender treatment program. Furthermore, he is mandated to perform 300 hours of unpaid community service, pay a victim surcharge of £95, and cover court costs amounting to £85. Additionally, Watling is required to register as a sex offender, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the court’s commitment to public safety.