MARK O’CONNOR FROM LYDIATE CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN LIVERPOOL COURT

In December 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark O’Connor, a businessman based in Lydiate, who was found to possess and distribute highly illegal and disturbing images of child abuse. The police raid on his premises in Heysham Road, Bootle, marked the culmination of an investigation into his online activities, which revealed a shocking collection of indecent material involving young children.

Authorities had been alerted to O’Connor’s activities after receiving technical intelligence indicating the presence of illicit images on his devices. When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his business premises, they discovered that O’Connor had been actively using peer-to-peer file-sharing software to facilitate his searches for such material. Despite his efforts to delete the images from his USB sticks, forensic analysis was able to recover and identify the content, revealing a total of 252 images across three categories of severity.

Among these, 29 images were classified as the most serious, including 17 videos depicting children as young as three years old. Additionally, police found two extreme pornographic images on his devices. The investigation uncovered that O’Connor had been searching for terms such as ‘pre-teen hard core,’ indicating a disturbing interest in very young children. His online activity also included the use of specific search terms that pointed to his intent and knowledge of the illicit nature of his material.

During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, the prosecution detailed the extent of O’Connor’s offenses. Iain Criddle, the prosecutor, emphasized the gravity of the case, stating that the images involved real children who were victims of sexual abuse. O’Connor, who admitted to the charges, told officers, “I hold my hands up, it’s me,” acknowledging his involvement.

Judge Anil Murray addressed O’Connor directly, condemning his actions and the harm caused to the victims. The judge remarked, “These were real children, real victims of sexual abuse you were watching,” and expressed his disapproval of O’Connor’s remorse, stating, “You say you are ashamed at your behaviour and so you should be.”

While the judge considered imposing a prison sentence, he noted that the maximum period he could suspend was two years, which he deemed insufficient for effective rehabilitation. Instead, he sentenced O’Connor to a three-year community order, requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and participate in 60 days of rehabilitation activities. Furthermore, O’Connor was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration. The judge warned that any breach of these orders would result in his immediate return to court and potential imprisonment, stating, “If you breach any of the orders I have imposed, I will lock you up.”

O’Connor, aged 57, of Virginia Grove, Lydiate, pleaded guilty to five offences related to the creation, possession, and distribution of indecent images of children, including two extreme pornographic images. His case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the serious consequences faced by those involved in such heinous crimes.