IAN MILLIGAN FROM ABUSERS-IN-WARRINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN HALTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, Ian Milligan, a mental health nurse residing on Schoolhouse Lane in Halton, was found guilty of possessing and viewing child pornography. The incident came to light in December 2010 when police executed a search warrant at his residence as part of an investigation into a corrupted website that was providing access to indecent images.

During the police raid, authorities seized a computer tower and an external hard drive, which upon examination revealed the presence of multiple indecent images. The court heard that Milligan had been browsing adult pornography when, unexpectedly, pop-up screens appeared on his computer. These pop-ups allegedly provided access to child sexual abuse images, which he later recognized as such during police interviews.

Prosecutor Mr. Francis McEntee explained that Milligan, aged 49, had pleaded guilty to 10 counts of making an indecent image of a child. He acknowledged that he had viewed these images, which were discovered on his devices, and expressed feelings of regret and embarrassment about his actions. The court was informed that Milligan was previously considered a man of good character, and this incident marked a significant deviation from his usual conduct.

Defense lawyer Mr. Jacob Dyer argued that the number of images involved was relatively small and that they appeared to have been accessed over a limited period. Dyer also highlighted that Milligan had previously worked as a salesman before transitioning into his role as a mental health nurse. The lawyer pointed out that the stress from his work and personal life had taken a toll on him, leading to issues such as poor sleep and increased consumption of adult pornography, which he claimed contributed to the incident.

It was also noted that Milligan had lost his job as a result of these offences and was now living at a different address. The court was told that his risk of re-offending was considered low, but the seriousness of the case was not taken lightly.

Judge Robert Altham addressed Milligan directly, emphasizing the gravity of the offences involving the creation and viewing of child abuse images. The judge sentenced Milligan to two years of supervision, which includes participation in an internet sex offender treatment program. Additionally, Milligan will be registered as a sex offender for five years and is prohibited from working with children indefinitely. The court's decision underscores the ongoing concern about protecting vulnerable children and the importance of monitoring offenders even after sentencing.