PHILIP CRONSHAW FROM FRECKLETON ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN LANCASHIRE

In a case that drew significant attention at Preston Crown Court, Philip Cronshaw, a 53-year-old resident of Greenacres, Freckleton, Lancashire, was found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. The investigation into his activities was initiated after authorities in the United States traced his credit card transactions, revealing his involvement in the illegal downloading of hundreds of child pornography images.

Despite the severity of the charges, Cronshaw was not sentenced to prison time. The presiding judge acknowledged his severe physical disability, which played a role in the court's decision. Instead of incarceration, Cronshaw was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order, a measure intended to monitor and support his reintegration into society while addressing his offending behavior.

During the proceedings, Cronshaw pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent photographs of a child and one count of possessing a quantity of indecent images. His defense attorney, Kevin Donnelly, argued that the offenses occurred over a relatively short period and that Cronshaw's initial access was limited to legal adult material, which then escalated. Donnelly emphasized that the likelihood of Cronshaw re-offending was minimal, describing the risk as