WILLIAM MOORE OF LISBURN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING OVER 2,000 INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN

In a case that has shocked the community of Lisburn, William Moore, a 62-year-old former principal prison officer, has been sentenced to a three-year probation period after admitting to possessing a staggering collection of more than 2,000 indecent images depicting young girls aged between 10 and 16. The incident came to light following a police operation conducted last August, which was intelligence-led and targeted Moore’s residence.

During the police search of Moore’s home on Bellevue Drive, two computers were seized for forensic examination. The investigation uncovered a disturbing cache of images, including movie files, stored on these devices. Moore himself acknowledged the existence of these images to the police at the scene, revealing that 118 images were stored on one computer, while a total of 1,929 images were found on the second machine. Despite his admission, Moore claimed that he had not viewed these images since 2008 and had deleted them at that time.

However, forensic analysis of the seized computers painted a more troubling picture. The examination revealed that a significant number of the images fell into the most severe category, known as level one, which indicates the highest degree of indecency and harm. Additionally, some images were classified under levels three and four, indicating a progression in the severity of the material. The prosecution highlighted that although Moore had not accessed the images for several years, the mere possession and storage of such material were serious offenses.

At Craigavon Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, Judge Gemma Loughran presided over the case. She acknowledged Moore’s prior record, noting that he had previously received a community services medal for his service. Moore pleaded guilty to 17 charges of possessing indecent images of children, with the offenses spanning from December 22, 2007, to August 24 of the previous year. The judge emphasized that Moore’s actions had caused significant harm, stating that the children depicted in these images had been subjected to heinous acts that robbed them of their innocence.

Judge Loughran expressed her understanding of Moore’s remorse, noting that he “bitterly regretted and remains deeply embarrassed by his actions.” She also recognized his long-standing service to the community, including 31 years as a prison officer, during which he was awarded the Imperial Service Medal. Despite this, she made it clear that the stigma of his crimes would follow him for the rest of his life. The judge underscored that possession of such images is not a victimless crime, as it involves the exploitation and suffering of the children depicted.

In her sentencing, Judge Loughran ordered Moore to serve a three-year probation period, during which he must participate in various programs aimed at addressing his behavior and preventing future offenses. She stressed the importance of him giving back to the community in some form, as a form of restitution for the harm caused. Furthermore, the court ordered that all images be destroyed from the seized computers, and that either the computers themselves or any profits derived from their sale be donated to a children’s charity.

Additionally, Moore is subject to an eight-year sexual offences prevention order. Under this order, he is prohibited from having any contact or employment involving children under 18 without supervision. Police are also granted unrestricted access to his computer at any time to ensure compliance with the court’s conditions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and the importance of vigilance within communities like Lisburn.