OAKHAM STUDENT MORGAN OVERTON CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 700 CHILD SEX IMAGES AT BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community and the academic world alike, Morgan Overton, a student from Oakham, was found in possession of an alarming collection of nearly 700 child sexual abuse images while attending the University of Birmingham. The case came to light after authorities uncovered the extent of his disturbing digital files, revealing a pattern of heinous activity that has raised serious concerns about online safety and child protection.

Overton, aged 20, was a music student at the University of Birmingham when police investigations revealed his involvement in possessing a vast number of indecent images. He claimed that his collection, which included photographs and videos depicting children as young as one year old being sexually abused or tortured, was a form of self-harm. This explanation was presented during his court appearance, where he sought to justify his actions, though the severity of the material was undeniable.

The investigation into Overton’s activities began in July 2018, when Leicestershire Police executed a search at his family home on Springfield Way in Oakham. At that time, Overton was away at university, but authorities managed to seize his electronic devices. His father accompanied police officers to Birmingham University, where Overton was residing in halls of residence. During this visit, Overton was interviewed and handed over his laptop and mobile phone for examination. It was only in March of the following year that police formally interviewed him about the contents of his devices.

Subsequently, Overton pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images at Leicester Magistrates’ Court. The files on his laptop included photographs of boys aged from one to fifteen, and further investigation revealed that he had shared internet links to these illicit images with other individuals online, although he was not charged with distribution. His computer was equipped with software designed to facilitate anonymous browsing and access to the so-called “dark web,” a hidden part of the internet hosting illegal content and inaccessible through standard search engines.

During his sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Judge Robert Brown addressed the gravity of Overton’s actions. The court sentenced him to a three-year community order, which includes 20 days of one-on-one therapy aimed at preventing re-offending. Additionally, Overton is required to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service. As part of the court’s measures to protect the public, he will be subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order and must regularly sign on at police stations during this period to monitor his compliance and ensure ongoing supervision.