DARREN MCKENNA FROM BILLINGE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE DOWNLOADING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Billinge, Darren McKenna, a 48-year-old former teacher and school governor, narrowly avoided a prison sentence after admitting to downloading a significant number of indecent images of children. The incident, which came to light in March 2015, revealed the extent of McKenna’s involvement in accessing illicit material, raising serious concerns about the impact of such actions on the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

During proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Norman Wright addressed McKenna directly, stating that he had managed to escape incarceration by “the skin of his teeth.” The court heard that McKenna had pleaded guilty to three counts of downloading indecent images of children, as well as one count of possession of such material. The charges stemmed from an investigation that uncovered McKenna’s use of encryption software to access and view these images, which included a video, indicating a deliberate effort to conceal his activities.

Prosecutor Simon Duncan provided details about the case, revealing that police had discovered search terms on McKenna’s devices that suggested an active interest in seeking out indecent images of minors. Duncan explained that McKenna had expressed a twisted enjoyment in breaking rules, and that his viewing habits began approximately six years prior, initially as a means of escaping marital stress by seeking adult pornography. Duncan emphasized that McKenna’s actions were not isolated to mere curiosity but involved a sustained pattern of illegal activity.

It was also disclosed that McKenna, who was employed as a Keystage 4 manager at the Launchpad Pupil Referral Unit on College Street in St Helens—a facility dedicated to children and young adults with behavioural issues—claimed that he did not derive sexual gratification from viewing the images. Following his arrest, St Helens Council confirmed that McKenna had resigned from his position, reflecting the serious repercussions of his actions.

In mitigation, lawyer Carmel Wilde highlighted the stress McKenna had been under, working two jobs simultaneously, which she argued contributed to his behaviour. Wilde described McKenna as a man of previously good character, noting his role as a school governor and emphasizing that his conduct was wholly out of character. She read a statement from McKenna, in which he expressed remorse, saying, “I’d just like to apologise for my actions and all the people it has affected and for the consequences to my family.” Wilde further explained that McKenna viewed his illicit activities as a form of twisted punishment for his marital difficulties, seeking solace in a way that spiraled out of control, ultimately leading to a nervous breakdown.

Judge Wright acknowledged the severity of the crimes, stating that they were not “victimless” and emphasizing the damaging impact of such illegal activities. He pointed out that by downloading these images, McKenna contributed to the ongoing market that fuels the abuse and exploitation of children. Despite the gravity of the offences, the judge took into account McKenna’s early guilty plea and his previous good character, which led to the decision to suspend the six-month prison sentence for two years. Additionally, McKenna was subjected to a two-year supervision order and mandated to attend a sex offenders’ rehabilitation programme.

Throughout the proceedings, the court made it clear that there was no evidence to suggest that McKenna had acted improperly with any children directly. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who seek illicit material online, and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable victims from further harm.