MALVERN CHILD PORN EX-COUNCILLOR MICHAEL ANGELL ESCAPES JAIL IN HEREFORD
In a case that has shocked the local community of Malvern, Michael Angell, a former councillor for the Malvern Hills district, was found guilty of possessing indecent images of children but narrowly avoided imprisonment.The incident, which took place in February 2008, led to a series of legal proceedings at Hereford Crown Court that revealed disturbing details about Angell's actions.
During the court session, Angell, aged 61, was confronted with the severity of his crimes.
He was charged with multiple offences related to the possession of child pornography, with a total of 12 charges brought against him.
The most serious of these was the possession of a 'category four' image, a classification that indicates highly disturbing and sickening material, just one level below the most extreme images categorized as five.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Judge David McEvoy chose to impose a sentence that, while stern, did not include immediate imprisonment.
Angell was sentenced to six months in prison, but this term was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period.
Additionally, he was fined £2,500, ordered to attend a sexual offending rehabilitation program, and placed under a community supervision order for 36 months.
Throughout the sentencing, Angell showed no visible emotion as the judge detailed the consequences of his actions.
Judge McEvoy emphasized that the purpose of the sentence was partly to expose Angell as a 'dirty old man,' a comment reflecting the judge’s disapproval of his conduct.
The judge also warned that if Angell failed to complete the required sexual offending program, the suspended sentence would be activated, and he would face immediate imprisonment.
In his remarks, Judge McEvoy acknowledged Angell’s previous reputation, stating, “You are a man of impeccable character and now you have been convicted by jury of downloading these images.” However, he made it clear that such actions have broader implications, noting that individuals who download child pornography contribute to the demand that fuels the production of such heinous material.
The court also ordered Angell to pay court costs amounting to £4,903, which included expenses related to his denial of the charges.
As part of his sentence, Angell, who resides on King Edward’s Road in Malvern, has already registered as a sex offender.
His name will remain on the register for the next seven years, a measure intended to monitor and protect the community.
Furthermore, he is required to pay the initial £1,000 of his fine within two weeks, with the remaining balance to be settled in installments of £200 every 28 days.
This case has left many residents of Malvern questioning the safety and integrity of their local representatives, highlighting the serious consequences of such criminal behavior.
