THOMAS/MATTHEW OLIVER SHOCKS GREAT SANKEY WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ABUSE CASES
| Red Rose Database
Great Sankey Rapist
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Great Sankey, Thomas Oliver, a man previously known for his charitable work, has been convicted of possessing indecent images of children. The revelation came just six days before his son, Matthew Oliver, 27, was scheduled to appear in court on similar charges, intensifying the scandal surrounding the family.
Thomas Oliver, aged 68, was found guilty of possessing hundreds of indecent images, a crime that was uncovered following a police search of his residence on September 22 of the previous year. The search was prompted by a series of sexual allegations made against him by a child, which led authorities to investigate his home at Wednesbury Avenue, Great Sankey.
During the seven-day trial held at Manchester Crown Court, a jury acquitted Thomas Oliver of more serious charges including buggery, engaging in sexual activity with a child, rape of a child, and indecent assault on a male. However, they found him guilty of the possession of indecent images. The court heard that the images, numbering over 1,000 and classified up to level five in severity—indicating the most graphic content—belonged to his son, Matthew Oliver.
Matthew, who was also implicated in the case, pleaded guilty earlier this month at Warrington Crown Court to 14 counts of making indecent images and one count of possessing images. His sentencing is scheduled for the upcoming Monday, and he faces significant penalties for his crimes.
Sources close to the family described Matthew as a young man with aspirations of joining the police force. A relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, described him as a somewhat peculiar individual who was often secluded in his room, accompanied by pet snakes and his computer. The allegations and subsequent convictions have devastated the family, leaving them in shock and disillusionment.
At Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, Thomas Oliver, a widower and retired miner, was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, he was given a three-year supervision order, which requires him to complete the Northumbria Sex Offender Programme—a comprehensive 160-hour course involving weekly or bi-weekly sessions aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending.
Defense lawyer Simeon Vaughan Evans stated that Thomas Oliver accepted the court’s sentence and the punishment that was deemed appropriate. Judge Stephen Clarke emphasized the gravity of the offenses, remarking, “The court takes offences of this nature very seriously. Although they aren’t the worst level—they were level one—the children are being exploited, and those who acquire them are playing their part in a heinous trade, profiting from the worst possible exploitation.”
It was revealed that Thomas Oliver had retired from his career as a miner after being signed off sick and had been volunteering at St Rocco’s Hospice shop in Hood Manor. Despite his charitable activities, the community’s response to his conviction has been one of outrage. Family members of the child involved expressed their disgust at what they perceive as leniency in his sentencing.
One relative described Thomas Oliver as “evil,” questioning what it would take for justice to be fully served. Another family member, who had once looked up to him, expressed profound betrayal, saying, “I looked up to him. Tom always seemed to be there if there was anything you ever needed. The betrayal I felt when it all came out was just devastating. I thought that he would have to sign the register for life. The system really stinks.”
Thomas Oliver, aged 68, was found guilty of possessing hundreds of indecent images, a crime that was uncovered following a police search of his residence on September 22 of the previous year. The search was prompted by a series of sexual allegations made against him by a child, which led authorities to investigate his home at Wednesbury Avenue, Great Sankey.
During the seven-day trial held at Manchester Crown Court, a jury acquitted Thomas Oliver of more serious charges including buggery, engaging in sexual activity with a child, rape of a child, and indecent assault on a male. However, they found him guilty of the possession of indecent images. The court heard that the images, numbering over 1,000 and classified up to level five in severity—indicating the most graphic content—belonged to his son, Matthew Oliver.
Matthew, who was also implicated in the case, pleaded guilty earlier this month at Warrington Crown Court to 14 counts of making indecent images and one count of possessing images. His sentencing is scheduled for the upcoming Monday, and he faces significant penalties for his crimes.
Sources close to the family described Matthew as a young man with aspirations of joining the police force. A relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, described him as a somewhat peculiar individual who was often secluded in his room, accompanied by pet snakes and his computer. The allegations and subsequent convictions have devastated the family, leaving them in shock and disillusionment.
At Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, Thomas Oliver, a widower and retired miner, was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, he was given a three-year supervision order, which requires him to complete the Northumbria Sex Offender Programme—a comprehensive 160-hour course involving weekly or bi-weekly sessions aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending.
Defense lawyer Simeon Vaughan Evans stated that Thomas Oliver accepted the court’s sentence and the punishment that was deemed appropriate. Judge Stephen Clarke emphasized the gravity of the offenses, remarking, “The court takes offences of this nature very seriously. Although they aren’t the worst level—they were level one—the children are being exploited, and those who acquire them are playing their part in a heinous trade, profiting from the worst possible exploitation.”
It was revealed that Thomas Oliver had retired from his career as a miner after being signed off sick and had been volunteering at St Rocco’s Hospice shop in Hood Manor. Despite his charitable activities, the community’s response to his conviction has been one of outrage. Family members of the child involved expressed their disgust at what they perceive as leniency in his sentencing.
One relative described Thomas Oliver as “evil,” questioning what it would take for justice to be fully served. Another family member, who had once looked up to him, expressed profound betrayal, saying, “I looked up to him. Tom always seemed to be there if there was anything you ever needed. The betrayal I felt when it all came out was just devastating. I thought that he would have to sign the register for life. The system really stinks.”