LOUIS PINDARD FROM LOSTOCK HALL SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In April 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Louis Pindard, a family man residing in Lostock Hall, who was found to have concealed a deeply troubling obsession with child abuse images. Pindard, aged 53 and living on Lourdes Avenue, had maintained a seemingly normal life as a manager at a local printing company, with no prior criminal record or police trouble.

However, his secret was uncovered during an extensive international investigation into the distribution and possession of child pornography. Authorities discovered that his computer contained approximately 9,000 indecent images, a significant portion of which—more than 100—were classified at levels four and five, indicating the most severe and explicit content.

Following the investigation, Pindard appeared before Preston Crown Court, where he admitted to possessing 23 counts related to the indecent images. His guilty plea was entered at an early stage of proceedings, and he fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the process. As a result, he was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Detective Constable Dave Johnson of South Ribble CID commented on the case, emphasizing the global effort to combat such crimes. He stated, “People who indulge in this kind of behaviour should recognise that there is no hiding place on the internet. Police forces across the world are co-operating with each other in relation to people who access these sites. By accessing them, they are perpetrating crimes against children. I am never pleased when people who otherwise would not come to the police’s attention go to jail.”

Investigations revealed that Pindard had been accessing such illicit images since at least 2009, indicating a long-standing and obsessive pattern of behaviour. In addition to his prison sentence, he was subjected to a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts his activities and contact with minors. Furthermore, he is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

During sentencing, the judge described Pindard’s behaviour as “obsessive and addictive,” highlighting the severity of his actions. The court also ordered the confiscation and destruction of his computer and hard drive, which contained the illegal images. The judge expressed hope that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others and help prevent further exploitation of children. Overall, the case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to tackle online child abuse and protect vulnerable victims from harm.