KENNETH HARGADON FROM CLAYTON-LE-MOORS AND DALSTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND BUSTED WHILE BABYSITTING

In a serious case that highlights the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, Kenneth Hargadon, a resident of Clayton-le-Moors and Dalston, faced court proceedings after being found in possession of indecent images of children and breaching his sexual offences prevention order. The case unfolded in Carlisle Crown Court in November 2014, where Hargadon, aged 63, was confronted with the gravity of his actions and the disturbing nature of his online activities.

Judge Peter Hughes QC addressed the court, emphasizing that such crimes are far from victimless. He stated, "Behind every image of a young child or an adolescent girl that you may find on the internet lies a child who has been the subject of some form of abuse. They experience that abuse so that men like you have the opportunity to satisfy your sexual gratification from their images. If it were not for people like you, there would be no point in these images being taken and posted on the internet."

Hargadon’s criminal history is extensive. He had previously served a prison sentence after being convicted of child sexual abuse in 1999. Additionally, in 2011, he was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order following his arrest for possessing child abuse images. Despite these measures, authorities discovered that he continued to access and search for such material.

On March 19, during a police visit to his residence on Ratten Row, Dalston, an officer requested to examine his tablet computer. The officer noticed that parts of Hargadon’s internet search history had been deliberately deleted, which was a violation of the conditions set by his prevention order. Further investigation by experts revealed that Hargadon had searched for images related to child abuse and sex stories involving children. The police also recovered four indecent images of children from his device.

During the court proceedings, Hargadon pleaded guilty to charges of possessing indecent images and breaching his sexual offences prevention order. Judge Hughes made it clear that his crimes are not victimless, stating, "Yours is not a victimless crime." The judge also remarked that the most effective punishment would be one that remains a constant threat over his head, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses.

As a result, Hargadon was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also placed under a two-year supervision order and a new sexual offences protection order was issued against him. Furthermore, he was required to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register under a new registration, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

In a related case from October 2011, Hargadon’s disturbing history was further highlighted. It was revealed that despite being a registered sex offender, he had been actively babysitting young girls in the Clayton-le-Moors area. The court was informed that Hargadon, a former soldier, had been convicted in 1999 of 14 counts of indecent assault against two victims, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. Despite this, he continued to access and download indecent images of children, including more than 100 images stored on his computer, some classified at the highest levels of severity.

The court heard that Hargadon had been regularly visited by the Public Protection Unit, yet he continued to pose a significant risk. Police found him watching what appeared to be a slideshow of young children on his computer, images he claimed to have obtained from Facebook. The mother of three young girls, whom Hargadon had been babysitting in the Hyndburn area, was unaware of his criminal record. The police analysis of his computer confirmed the presence of 102 indecent images, leading to his arrest in November of the previous year. Throughout the interview, Hargadon chose to remain mostly silent, refusing to cooperate fully with authorities.

These cases serve as stark reminders of the ongoing threat posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially those who continue to access and distribute harmful material despite legal restrictions and prior convictions. The court’s actions reflect the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded and the importance of ongoing vigilance to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.