REBECCA RULER FROM COPPULL ESCAPES PRISON AFTER CHILD SEX IMAGE SCANDAL IN PRESTON

In August 2023, Rebecca Ruler, a 32-year-old nurse from Coppull, found herself at the center of a disturbing online child sex abuse investigation that revealed her involvement in sharing and possessing sickening images and stories related to child abuse.

Ruler, who previously managed a respiratory ward at Royal Bolton Hospital during the height of the Covid pandemic, was exposed for her disturbing online activities that she engaged in for what she described as 'comfort.'

The Preston Crown Court heard that Ruler had downloaded a significant number of illegal images, including 151 Category A, 101 Category B, and 134 Category C child abuse pictures, between April 2021 and April 2022. These images depicted the most severe forms of child exploitation and were part of her collection of sick material.

Additionally, she created and shared five obscene articles within an internet chat group that included five paedophiles, further illustrating her active participation in online child abuse forums.

During questioning, Ruler claimed that her involvement in the chat was initiated by a man she was in an online relationship with, and she insisted she was using the platform to impress him.

The court was told that her actions were deliberate and that she was aware of the depravity of her conduct, which included sharing stories about children being abused.

Judge Richard Gioserano addressed the court, emphasizing that while seeking comfort from strangers can be understandable, Ruler was fully aware that her online contacts were paedophiles, which made her actions particularly reprehensible.

A pre-sentence report revealed that Ruler, who now works in a supermarket, expressed significant remorse for her actions. The report also highlighted her previous exemplary character and her dedication to her work during a period considered one of the most challenging in NHS history.

Ruler, residing on Springfield Road in Coppull, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and five counts of publishing obscene articles.

In sentencing, Judge Gioserano acknowledged the complexity of her mental state but emphasized that her actions went beyond mere distorted thinking. He pointed out that her behavior involved actively engaging in criminal activities, including downloading illegal images and messaging about the sadistic and sexual abuse of very young children.

The judge also considered the potential risk her messages posed to others, noting that although her intent was limited to the five individuals in her chat, the messages could have been shared further, potentially corrupting others.

The court examined whether her stressful work environment during the pandemic contributed to her behavior but concluded that, regardless of emotional toll, her actions were criminal and unacceptable.

As part of her sentence, Ruler received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, participate in 35 days of rehabilitation including a one-to-one sex offenders course, and was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, she was placed on the sex offenders' register for ten years, marking a significant legal response to her disturbing conduct.