ROBERT DEAKIN FROM PADGATE BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY IN WARRINGTON

In a serious case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Robert Deakin, a 40-year-old resident of Dundee Close in Fearnhead, appeared before Warrington Crown Court to face charges related to the possession and download of indecent images of children. The incident has led to a lifetime ban from any involvement in the sport of table tennis across England, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.

Deakin, who served as a secretary of the Padgate Table Tennis Club—a club established in 1977 by his father Norman and known for its young members, some as young as eight—was found to have a disturbing collection of 93 images depicting children engaged in sexual acts or in compromising situations. Among these images, 17 were classified as level four, which is considered the second most severe category of child exploitation material.

The court heard that police investigations revealed Deakin’s mobile phone contained these illicit images, which he had downloaded over a period spanning from September 30, 2006, to November 3, 2008. Prosecutor David Jones explained that it was impossible to determine the exact moments when the images were downloaded, but during a specific window from July 19 to July 25, 2008, Deakin had downloaded 21 images showing partially dressed girls who appeared to be under the age of 16.

Jones further detailed that the police seized Deakin’s phone and examined its contents, uncovering the disturbing collection. Deakin initially claimed that he was using his phone to search for adult pornography, but investigators found that his browsing history linked to teenage sites, which then led to the discovery of images involving children. During the court proceedings, Deakin sat with his head bowed and hands clasped, admitting that he derived sexual gratification from the images but denying any actual interest in children.

Defending Deakin, lawyer Nova Howarth argued that his cognitive abilities needed to be addressed, implying that his thinking skills were impaired. In response, Judge Thomas Teague QC sharply questioned this assertion, asking what level of thinking skills would be necessary to recognize that such material was morally and legally wrong. Howarth responded by emphasizing that Deakin had not realized that children were being coerced into these images and that he was genuinely ashamed of his actions. She highlighted that his family was also deeply embarrassed and that Deakin had already suffered social consequences, including alienation from family and friends. She pointed out that he had spent much of his leisure time coaching at a community center but had now been excluded from such activities.

Deakin also held the position of deputy chairman of the Warrington District Table Tennis Association but has since been stripped of all official links with the organization due to the charges.

Judge Teague emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “Downloading funds the entire process including the abuse of children. They are someone’s daughters. These were disgusting offences involving some quite revolting and distressing images. These were real photos.”

As a result of his actions, Deakin was sentenced to a 24-week jail term, suspended for two years, and was ordered to participate in the Northumbria sex offenders’ program. Additionally, he was required to sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years and was disqualified from working with children for life, marking a comprehensive legal response to his crimes.