MATTHEW BROWNLEE

OLD HALL MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGES RAID

A PERVERT has been allowed to walk free from court – despite a police raid unearthing his sick collection of child sex abuse images.

A search of devices confiscated from Matthew Brownlee revealed the presence of a vile stash of indecent photographs and videos of children.

The 28-year-old was later charged with three counts of making indecent images of children (IIOC), one of possessing IIOC, and one of possessing extreme pornographic images involving animals.

He pleaded guilty to all charges before Warrington Magistrates’ Court in December, with the case committed to Liverpool Crown Court for sentence this month.

Derek Jones, prosecuting the case, informed the court how police officers executed a warrant at the defendant’s home on September 8, 2022.

They seized multiple devices which showed the presence of IIOC.

Examiners found a total of 646 images of children being sexually abused, with 39 in the most severe category A, 48 in category B, and 559 in category C.

Additionally, five extreme pornographic images showing animals were found, described as “explicit and realistic” and “grossly offensive.” Despite the severity, the judge, David Aubrey, decided to suspend the custodial sentence.

Brownlee, of Ross Close in Old Hall, was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete 140 hours of unpaid work and 35 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Furthermore, he is subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offender register for 10 years.