OLDHAM MAN COLIN BLAND FUELLED GROTESQUE CHILD ABUSE WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Oldham, a man named Colin Bland was found to have played a role in fueling the heinous and grotesque sexual exploitation of young girls through the possession of illegal images.The incident came to light in November when police executed a search warrant at Bland’s residence on the Holts estate, uncovering a disturbing collection of nearly 170 images depicting children as young as six years old.
During the proceedings at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, it was revealed that the majority of these images fell into the lower B and C categories of severity.
However, of particular concern were 18 images, including one depicting an adult engaged in sexual activity with a six-year-old child, which were classified as the most severe and disturbing category.
These findings underscored the gravity of Bland’s actions and the disturbing nature of the material he possessed.
Colin Bland, aged 59 and residing at Lychgate Court in Holts, was charged with three counts of possession of indecent images of children.
In a court hearing, he pleaded guilty to these charges, which led to a sentence of 12 months in prison, suspended for two years.
The presiding judge, John Potter, clarified that the reason Bland was not immediately sent to prison was due to his guilty plea and the fact that he had no prior criminal record related to similar offenses.
Nonetheless, Judge Potter emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “Prison is appropriate in these cases because people who download this dreadful material contribute to the grotesque abuse of children by creating a market for such pictures.” Addressing Bland directly, the judge highlighted the nature of his offending, saying, “You did this for your own sexual gratification.
Had there been any suggestion you were involved in distributing this material, it would have been immediate prison.” Prosecutor Brian Berlyne explained that police had initiated the investigation after online searches using specific key phrases triggered an alert, leading to the execution of the search warrant.
Once the images were discovered on Bland’s computer, he immediately admitted his involvement, explaining to authorities that he had been experiencing sexual problems, which he claimed contributed to his actions.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Potter ordered Bland to participate in a rehabilitation program aimed at addressing his behavior and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to prevent any future offenses.
The case has raised serious concerns about the ongoing threat posed by individuals who possess and seek out such illegal and damaging material, and it underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat child exploitation.
