NICHOLAS TASKER FROM HOWLEY AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING CHILDREN IN KNUTSFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community, Nicholas Tasker, a 40-year-old man from Harbord Street in Howley, appeared before Knutsford Crown Court in April 2009 to face serious allegations involving a minor. Tasker was charged with making a 14-year-old boy watch a sexually explicit video, an incident that took place in February of that year.

According to court proceedings, the victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was a young teenager who had developed a friendly relationship with Tasker. The boy would often visit Tasker’s residence to use his computer and chat online with friends from school. What initially appeared to be innocent interactions took a disturbing turn when the defendant’s behavior became increasingly inappropriate.

The prosecution, led by Gareth Roberts, detailed how the situation escalated. Roberts explained, “Initially, there were no issues, but then the defendant started showing a growing interest in who the boy was talking to and inquired about their age.” The court was told that one evening, Tasker requested to show the boy something on his computer. Instead of a harmless file, he displayed a downloaded video depicting girls engaged in sexual acts. The victim recalled the video was titled ‘Barely Legal’ and described feeling embarrassed and frightened. He left the scene shortly after viewing the material.

The case came to light after the boy’s father became increasingly concerned about his son’s behavior. Teachers at the boy’s school reported that he was refusing to engage with computers, which raised suspicions. This prompted the police to investigate, leading to Tasker’s arrest. During questioning, Tasker admitted to showing the video to the boy and acknowledged that he was sexually aroused at the time. He also admitted that he was likely turned on by the fact that the boy was watching it.

In his defense, Caroline Patrick highlighted that Tasker had a previously good character and stated that he had not had any contact with children since the incident. Despite this, the court did not dismiss the seriousness of the offense.

Judge David Hale delivered his verdict, sentencing Tasker to a 36-week prison term, which was suspended for a period of time. Additionally, Tasker was ordered to register as a sex offender and was given a sexual offences prevention order. This order prohibits him from being alone with any child under the age of 16, other than immediate family members, for the next five years. He was also barred from working with children and was ordered to pay prosecution costs amounting to £300.

Judge Hale addressed the court, stating, “Why you did it, you find impossible to explain, but the reason is blindingly obvious – you wanted to show him because it gave you a sexual turn-on. You clearly upset the lad. You had no business to do it, and you must never do anything like that again. Otherwise, the court will be left with no other option than to imprison you.” The case underscores the importance of safeguarding children and the serious consequences faced by those who exploit their innocence for sexual gratification.