ROBERT WILKINSON FROM FARNWORTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN BOLTON

In February 2021, a man from Farnworth was handed a suspended sentence after being found guilty of possessing a significant number of indecent images of children. Robert Wilkinson, aged 52, appeared before Bolton Crown Court to face charges related to the illegal possession of these disturbing materials. Wilkinson pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children, which led to his sentencing.

Prosecution barrister Victoria Lewis provided detailed information about the nature and extent of the images found on Wilkinson’s devices. She explained that authorities discovered over 1,000 such images on his laptop, with 10 classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency. An additional seven images fell into Category B, and a staggering 1,074 were categorized as Category C, representing less severe but still illegal content.

The police initially responded to Wilkinson’s residence on Lightwood Close in Farnworth on November 12, 2019. The visit was prompted by a welfare concern raised by Wilkinson’s manager, who reported that Wilkinson had threatened to harm himself and had indicated that he possessed indecent images of young girls on his laptop. During the police intervention, Wilkinson admitted to having taken an overdose of paracetamol in an apparent attempt to end his life. He also reported falling and injuring his head. When questioned, Wilkinson acknowledged the presence of indecent images on his laptop but appeared 'very confused and incoherent' according to officers.

Authorities seized multiple electronic devices from Wilkinson’s home, including a laptop, two mobile phones, three CDs, and a dongle. During his interview with police, Wilkinson denied owning any indecent images and cited struggles with alcohol abuse and depression as contributing factors. Following the interview, Wilkinson was taken back home but soon exhibited symptoms of a mental health crisis. He was subsequently transported to hospital, where he again admitted to possessing the illegal images and claimed to have received threats from 'those who knew what he was doing.'

Wilkinson was detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act and remained in a mental health facility from November 14 to November 20. An examination of his laptop revealed the presence of 1,091 images depicting children estimated to be between six and 16 years old. However, Ms. Lewis noted that many of these images had been deleted, making them inaccessible. Some of the files included moving images, further highlighting the disturbing nature of the content.

The court was informed that Wilkinson had conducted numerous online searches attempting to locate more indecent images of underage girls. Additionally, he accessed online stories authored by an individual known as 'Paedo Phil.' Despite the extensive collection of images on his laptop, no indecent images were found on the other devices seized during the investigation.

Judge Timothy Stead sentenced Wilkinson to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge expressed hope that this would be Wilkinson’s first and last appearance before the court for such offenses. Furthermore, Wilkinson was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, required to sign the sex offenders register for ten years, and mandated to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing his behavior and preventing future offenses.