MICHAEL MOUNT IN SHOCKING CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE IN WOLVERHAMPTON

In July 2014, a man named Michael Mount was spared jail time despite possessing a large collection of child abuse images. The court heard he had more than 7,500 indecent images of children as young as six months on his laptop, which he kept hidden in his loft at his home in Bushbury. Mount, 49 years old, used the laptop to browse these images and to communicate with others online while his partner was out. Wolverhampton Crown Court was told that police raided his home on June 20, 2013, after receiving information about his activities and confiscated the computer.

Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Burn revealed that Mount had distributed three images to others on a website and that among the thousands of images recovered, 1,568 were classified as the most serious. Mount admitted in interview that he kept the laptop in the loft so he could access the sites when his partner was away and claimed he did not view the images out of sexual motivation.

The court was also shown a USB stick containing additional indecent images. The images depicted children aged from six months up to approximately five years, both boys and girls. Mr. Burn noted that Mount had shared some images online with others during chats.

Mount, who now resides in Moor Lane, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to eight counts of making indecent images of children, one count of taking indecent images, and one of distributing such images. Defense attorney Mr. Justin Jarmola stated that Mount was now separated from his partner and had completed a course aimed at addressing his behavior. He noted that Mount was currently unemployed.

Judge Michael Dudley acknowledged the presence of several aggravating factors, including the young ages and vulnerability of the victims and the distress caused. However, he also recognized Mount's remorse and efforts to improve himself.

As a result, Mount was sentenced to a three-year community order with supervision and mandatory attendance at an internet offenders group program. The judge emphasized the harm caused by such offenses to innocent children and noted that Mount’s participation in the course was a positive step. Additionally, Mount was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will remain until further notice, and he will be on the Sex Offender Register for five years. He was also ordered to pay £540 in costs and a £60 victim surcharge.