PAUL MELLOR FROM SAUGHALL FACES JUSTICE OVER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN CHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Saughall and the wider Chester area, Paul Mellor, a 55-year-old resident of Saughall, was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images of children on his personal computer. The authorities uncovered more than 1,700 such images, some of which Mellor had manipulated using computer software to create pseudo-photographs by superimposing the heads of girls onto other images.

During the proceedings at Chester Crown Court, it was revealed that Mellor had personally taken photographs which he later used to alter and produce these illicit images. Despite the extensive evidence, Mellor was unable to provide a clear explanation for his actions, leaving the court and prosecutors puzzled and concerned. The court heard that Mellor had doctored 39 images with photographs he had taken himself, raising serious questions about his motives and mental state.

Judge Elgan Edwards, presiding over the case, described the list of offences as “dreadful” and expressed his concern over Mellor’s inability to explain why he had manipulated the images. The court was told that Mellor pleaded guilty to 17 counts, which included three counts of creating pseudo-photographs and 12 counts of producing indecent images and videos, ranging from level one to the most severe level five. Additionally, Mellor admitted to possessing a video of an indecent nature and the possession of the 1,736 images.

Prosecutor Jayne Morris explained that police had seized Mellor’s computer after his IP address was traced to a website hosting thousands of obscene images. Initially, Mellor denied any knowledge of the images, but subsequent police interviews led him to admit his involvement and ownership of the material.

Defense lawyer Christopher Williams described Mellor as a man overwhelmed by shame and noted that his family life had been severely impacted since the images were discovered in June 2011. Williams explained that Mellor had turned to pornography due to difficulties he was experiencing both at work and at home. He expressed Mellor’s desire to understand the reasons behind his actions and to seek help to address his behavior.

Judge Edwards emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “It is extremely sad to see a man of your age and ability in trouble in the dock of a crown court facing these dreadful charges.” He acknowledged that Mellor’s guilty plea had spared him from immediate imprisonment but nonetheless imposed significant penalties. Mellor was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders’ register. Furthermore, he was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order and mandated to attend a Sex Offenders’ Group Programme, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and Mellor’s rehabilitation.