GEORGE BENTLEY FROM ALSAGER CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY

In December 2013, a 77-year-old man named George Bentley, residing in Alsager, found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving the possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornography. The case was brought to light after police investigations uncovered disturbing evidence on Bentley's computer and storage devices.

On May 24, 2012, law enforcement officers executed a search at Bentley’s residence on Bladon Crescent in Alsager. During the search, they seized a computer stack and a memory stick, which contained a total of 132 indecent images of children. Among these images, one was classified as 'extreme,' indicating a particularly severe form of illegal content. Additionally, police discovered seven movies depicting abusive material, further emphasizing the gravity of the case.

During questioning, Bentley attempted to justify his possession of these images by claiming he was conducting research. He insisted that he believed the images depicted adult actors 'acting' as children, suggesting he thought they were not real children. However, police inquiries revealed that Bentley did not deny ownership of the material found on his devices. Instead, he admitted to researching homosexual tendencies in pubescent boys, which he claimed was the purpose behind his actions.

In a previous court hearing, Bentley pleaded guilty to seven charges of making indecent photographs of children and one charge of possessing an extreme pornographic image. The prosecution argued that his actions were serious and warranted significant legal consequences. Following his guilty plea, Bentley was ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure that will remain in effect for a specified period.

At his sentencing hearing, Judge Paul Glenn addressed Bentley directly. The judge acknowledged Bentley’s age, noting that he was 77 years old and had no prior criminal record. The court also considered character references that highlighted positive aspects of Bentley’s personality. Despite this, the judge dismissed Bentley’s claims that he was researching child pornography or that he believed the images were of adult actors, describing these explanations as 'ludicrous' and 'ridiculous.'

Judge Glenn emphasized that there was little point in sending Bentley to prison, as he believed that probation would not lead to any meaningful change in his behavior. Instead, Bentley was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £1,800 in court costs. The judge also stated that Bentley’s name would be published in the press as a form of public censure. Bentley was given a two-month window to pay the fine; failure to do so would result in imprisonment.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of illegal images of children, and underscores the importance of judicial measures to address such serious offenses. Bentley’s case remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who seek to exploit and harm vulnerable children through the possession and distribution of illicit material.