CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT FROM OSWALDTRWISTLE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE HUNDREDS OF INDECENT IMAGES OF YOUNG GIRLS IN BURNLEY

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Christopher Wright, a resident of Oswaldtwistle, was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images depicting young girls, yet he managed to avoid immediate imprisonment. The incident came to light after authorities executed a search warrant at his former residence in Burnley on January 29 of the previous year.

During the raid, police seized various computer devices and hardware, which upon examination revealed a disturbing cache of 403 indecent images. These images were categorized into different levels of severity, with 26 classified as Category A—the most serious, indicating the most explicit content—32 as Category B, and a substantial 345 as Category C. The images appeared to feature young girls estimated to be between 12 and 15 years old, although their identities remain unknown.

Christopher Wright, aged 54, admitted to making and possessing these images. He pleaded guilty to 16 counts related to the creation and possession of indecent images. The court heard that Wright had a known history of sexual offenses, including previous convictions for indecent assault and two counts of indecent exposure. During police interviews, Wright openly confessed that he was 'particularly attracted to very early teens,' specifically mentioning an attraction to girls around 13 or 14 years old.

Prosecutor Michael Brady informed the court that Wright did not attempt to conceal his activities. The images were stored openly in folders on his computer, with some labeled with seemingly trivial or banal titles, indicating a lack of concern for privacy or concealment. Brady also revealed that Wright used specific internet search terms designed to locate such images, further illustrating his deliberate engagement in viewing and collecting this material.

In his defense, Clare Ashcroft highlighted that Wright had the support of his wife, who was fully aware of his past and current issues. She explained that since his arrest, his wife had encouraged him to stay close and had supported his efforts to control his computer usage. Wright had installed software intended to monitor and restrict his access to inappropriate content, although the effectiveness of these measures was questioned.

Furthermore, Ashcroft mentioned that Wright had previously attended sessions at Burnley Hospital aimed at addressing underlying behavioral issues. However, he reportedly found these sessions unhelpful, stating they were not sufficiently targeted to his specific needs. Despite the severity of the charges, the court sentenced Wright to a six-month jail term, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in a two-year internet sex offender treatment program.

Wright was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and was required to notify authorities of any changes in his personal details for the next seven years. The case underscores ongoing concerns about individuals with prior convictions for sexual offenses and their access to harmful material, even when legal actions are taken against them.