GORDON CLOUGH OF DARWEN CAUGHT SUBSCRIBING TO CHILD PORN WEBSITE IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Darwen, Lancashire, Gordon Clough, aged 48, was found to have subscribed to a website hosting a vast collection of child pornography. The incident came to light after authorities uncovered that Clough had accessed a platform which reportedly contained as many as 20,000 files, offering explicit material involving minors.

According to court records, Clough had viewed approximately 59 images depicting children in sexual situations, some of whom appeared to be very young, barely older than toddlers. The images were described as highly disturbing, highlighting the severity of the offense.

Clough faced multiple charges, ultimately pleading guilty to 14 counts of making indecent images of children. In sentencing, he was handed a three-year community order, which included a requirement to participate in a sex offender rehabilitation program. Additionally, he was subjected to a curfew, obliging him to remain at his residence from 9 pm to 6 am for a period of three months.

Prosecutor Emma Kehoe explained that the police investigation was initiated after receiving information that Clough had made a payment through a PayPal account to access the illicit website. It was believed that the website in question contained approximately 20,000 files, which users could view for a fee, typically paying for a one-month access period. The site was said to feature images of female minors engaged in sexual acts with adults, making it a significant concern for law enforcement.

During the court proceedings, Clough’s defense attorney, Adrian Williams, argued that the number of images involved was relatively modest. He stated that the material was stored on Clough’s computer solely for personal use, with no intention of sharing, distributing, or printing the images. Williams emphasized that Clough had not physically harmed any child.

Judge Stuart Baker addressed the court, underscoring the gravity of the offense. He stated, “You must understand that the law takes a very serious and dim view of abuse of children and in particular, sexual abuse of children. There is no suggestion you have physically abused any child yourself. But everybody who participates in this activity of downloading material, paying for it over the internet, is indirectly paying money to the people who do commit the abuse.”

As part of his sentence, Clough was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years and was also required to pay £400 towards prosecution costs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from such heinous crimes.