JAMES EDWARDS CAUGHT IN RISHTON WITH CHILD INDECENT VIDEOS SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY ORDER

In June 2015, authorities uncovered a disturbing case involving James Andrew Edwards, a 28-year-old resident of Rishton, who was found to possess a collection of indecent videos featuring children. The incident came to light when police executed a search warrant at Edwards' home in Rishton, leading to the discovery of 14 illicit videos stored in his recycle bin. Among these, nine were classified as category A, indicating the most severe level of child exploitation material.

During the investigation, prosecutors informed Burnley Crown Court that the videos depicted a range of abuse involving children from teenagers down to as young as five years old. One particularly disturbing video featured a baby, highlighting the heinous nature of the material Edwards had downloaded. Edwards was charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to 14 counts of making indecent images of children.

In his defense, Edwards claimed that he did not intend to keep the videos permanently. He explained that he was searching for an adult pornographic video he had previously viewed and that his possession of the child abuse images was not driven by sexual gratification. Despite his claims, the court was presented with evidence of his guilt, and the severity of the material was undeniable.

Throughout the proceedings, it was noted that Edwards had a history of good character and that he had entered a guilty plea at an early stage, which the court considered as mitigating factors. Nonetheless, the judge emphasized the importance of professional intervention to prevent any potential re-offending. As a result, Edwards was handed a comprehensive sentence that included a three-year community order with supervision, a five-year sexual harm prevention order, and a requirement to notify police of any relevant changes for five years.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and highlights the importance of swift judicial action to address such heinous crimes in Rishton and beyond.