JAMES BARLOW CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORN IN PRENTON WARNED OF JAIL TIME IN WIRRAL

In a serious case that has sent shockwaves through the Wirral community, James Barlow, a resident of Prenton, has been found guilty of possessing indecent images of children. The incident, which came to light during a police operation, revealed that Barlow was in possession of a staggering 784 images and video clips depicting minors engaged in sexual poses and acts.

During the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was disclosed that all but two of these images fell into the lowest category of indecency, involving sexual posing. Barlow, aged 38, admitted that he derived sexual gratification from viewing these images. He also expressed a particular interest in the innocence of girls aged between 16 and 18, although the material found included children as young as 12 years old.

The court was informed that Barlow had a prior conviction for a similar offence, having received a police caution back in July 2004. This history underscored the ongoing nature of his offending behavior. Judge Graham Morrow, QC, addressed the court, acknowledging that Barlow accepted his actions were wrong. The judge emphasized the importance of addressing Barlow’s distorted thinking to prevent future offences, highlighting the need for rehabilitation.

It was revealed that Barlow resides with his parents and has never maintained a long-term romantic relationship. The court noted that he had missed out on social interactions with girls during his adolescence, which may have contributed to his current issues.

As part of his sentencing, Judge Morrow imposed a three-year community order, which includes supervision and mandatory attendance at the Northumbria Sex Offenders programme. Barlow was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for the same duration. Additionally, he was instructed to contribute £300 towards the prosecution costs.

The judge issued a stern warning, stating, “If you commit any similar offences, you will go to jail.”

Barlow had pleaded guilty to nine counts of making indecent images between October 2007 and September 2008. The case was initiated after customs officials intercepted a package addressed to him at his home in Prenton on November 29, which contained a film titled “Teen Beauty Pageant.”

Following this discovery, authorities on Merseyside conducted a raid at his residence in Holmlands Drive, Prenton, in September 2008. At the time, Barlow was working away in Glasgow. His computer equipment was seized during the raid, and he voluntarily attended Wirral custody later that day. During police interviews, Barlow claimed his interest was related to naturist sites, but he was not re-interviewed for over a year while the analysis of his computer data was carried out.

Defence lawyer John Weate stated that Barlow had been honest with police and expressed his embarrassment over the case’s impact on his family. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the offences and the need for strict measures to prevent future harm.