PAUL MILLWARD FROM ROSSENDALE SPARED JAIL DESPITE 8,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES DISCOVERY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Rossendale, Paul Millward, a 30-year-old man residing in Water, was found to possess an extensive collection of indecent images involving young children. Police executed a search warrant at his residence on Dean Fold and uncovered more than 8,000 illicit images stored across his computer and mobile phone devices.

Further investigations revealed that after Millward was initially bailed to appear in court, authorities conducted additional searches at his home and an alternative address. During these subsequent searches, officers discovered three more indecent movies stored on a laptop, adding to the disturbing collection.

To assess the severity of the material, police sampled 113 images from his devices. The analysis revealed that 20 of these images were classified as Category A, indicating the most serious level of indecency. An additional 13 images fell into Category B, with the remaining 80 categorized as Category C. These classifications reflect the disturbing nature of the content and the grave concern it raises.

Millward pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent images. In sentencing, he received a 20-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he breaches certain conditions. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to participate in an internet sex offenders programme, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed. Additionally, he was placed under police notification requirements, which involve regular reporting to authorities about his whereabouts and activities.

Prosecutor Lisa Worsley highlighted that the 8,000 images had been downloaded over a period from 2011 to 2014. She also pointed out that the three additional Category A movies were downloaded after Millward had been initially charged, indicating ongoing offending behavior.

Defence lawyer Robert Elias described the images as ‘corrosive to the soul’ and expressed concern over Millward’s re-offending while on bail. He emphasized that Millward was deeply troubled by his actions, stating, “He doesn’t understand why he would want to download pictures of young boys having sex and men having sex with young boys and girls. He feels sickened and disgusted by that sort of material.”

Mr. Elias further explained that Millward was not in denial but was in a state of ‘limbo,’ struggling to comprehend the reasons behind his actions. He suggested that an underlying infatuation or craving might be driving his behavior and noted that Millward was punishing himself by re-downloading such material. The lawyer also revealed that Millward suffers from alcohol problems and depression but insisted that he did not share or distribute the images with others.

Judge Andrew Woolman addressed the court, acknowledging the complexity of the case. He remarked, “There’s work that could be done with you to try and persuade you of the fact that it is wrong to download images. I don’t know if you are capable of stopping.” The judge’s comments underscored the seriousness of the offense and the potential for rehabilitation, while also highlighting concerns about the offender’s ability to cease such behavior in the future.