NICHOLAS SMITH FROM BOLLINGTON JAILED FOR POSSESSING CHILD ABUSE MANUAL AND OVER 10,000 ILLEGAL IMAGES

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Bollington, Nicholas Smith, a 41-year-old man, has been sentenced to prison after authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of illegal material during a police raid at his home. The incident took place in February 2017, when law enforcement officers visited Smith’s residence, leading to the discovery of a vast array of illicit content stored on his computer and USB sticks.

Prosecutor Jayne Morris detailed to Chester Crown Court that the police found thousands of indecent images and video clips depicting children, with the total exceeding 10,000. Among the most alarming items recovered was a 171-page document titled 'How To Practise Child Love – A Paedo’s Guide,' which was described during proceedings as a ‘step-by-step guide in how to engage in safe and harmless love with a child.’

During the court session, Judge David Hale briefly examined the manual and described it as ‘absolutely repulsive,’ emphasizing the severity of the material. The manual, which explicitly aimed to instruct on inappropriate conduct, was part of a broader collection of illegal content that Smith possessed.

Further analysis of the devices revealed a disturbing hierarchy of images: 133 Category A indecent images, which are considered the most serious, 391 Category B images, and an overwhelming 10,313 images classified as Category C. The police investigation established that Smith’s collection of such material had been accumulated over more than a decade, with the offending behavior reportedly beginning in his mid to late 20s. As time went on, his collection grew more frequent and compulsive, indicating a troubling escalation.

During police interviews, Smith admitted to seeking out material involving girls around the ages of 10 or 11. He also attempted to justify his actions by citing ‘family and work pressures’ as contributing factors to his behavior. His admissions and the extensive nature of his collection led to multiple charges.

Smith pleaded guilty to seven counts of possessing indecent images of children, possession of the manual, possession of computer-generated indecent images depicting children, and possession of extreme pornography. In sentencing, Judge Hale emphasized that the combination of the manual, the sheer volume of images, and the duration of the offending left no alternative but to impose immediate custody. Smith was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Additionally, the court imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future activities and protect the community from potential harm. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of swift judicial action in such grave matters.