A judge was forced to halt the sentencing of a paedophile after realising he knew the defendant and feared it would prejudice the case.

Christopher Jeacock, 37, of Bowdon, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of making indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images of a child, and possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Judge Mark Savill abruptly stopped proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court, stating that Jeacock's name had triggered a memory. Upon confirming that Jeacock worked for Hale United FC, Judge Savill declared he could not continue with the sentencing.

"I can't do this case," Judge Savill stated. "It's not your fault - very unfortunate, but it's one of the prices we pay for local justice. The bottom line is, there cannot appear to be any kind of prejudice or advantage to you by virtue of any connection you or I may have."

The case was subsequently adjourned and will be handled by a different judge.

Katherine Wright, the prosecutor, explained that Greater Manchester Police had discovered indecent images posted online from a social media account linked to Jeacock. A search warrant was executed at his home, which he shared with his parents, leading to his arrest and the seizure of his electronic devices.

During the search of his bedroom, Jeacock claimed his parents were uninvolved and that he was unaware of the child images. Officers confiscated an iPad and two iPhones. During questioning on March 25 of last year, Jeacock admitted to likely viewing the images. He revealed using the Kik messenger site to join chat groups where images were shared and clicking on Dropbox links that automatically downloaded the content.

"He stated he knew they were illegal material and should have done something about them," Ms Wright said. "He accepted the devices were his and he was solely responsible for its contents."

A thorough examination of the iPad uncovered 16 category A images, 10 category B images, and 15 category C images, all of which were inaccessible. One iPhone held seven inaccessible category C images, while the other contained two accessible category C images and five inaccessible category C images.

The police investigation extended to Jeacock's Dropbox account, revealing a staggering 113 category A images, 75 category B images, and 1,044 category C images, totaling 1,900 images recovered.

The court heard that the videos depicted children as young as three being sexually abused by adults, and one of the extreme pornographic videos displayed a man engaging in sexual activity with a dog. Folders within the Dropbox were named to indicate their contents of indecent images.

During a subsequent police interview, Jeacock provided a prepared statement acknowledging ownership of the devices. He claimed that since his arrest in 2021, he had made a conscious effort to address his offending and prevent recurrence.

"I have received support from my GP, the Greater Manchester Mental Health team, and I have discussed my mental health with my family and friends who have both been very supportive," his statement read.

Jeacock further mentioned participating in the Safer Lives program designed to assist sex offenders. "From March 2020, my mental health deteriorated, my business shut down and created financial issues, and the loss of social involvement led me to feeling alone," his statement continued. "I was worried about my partner's problems and I became isolated. This led me to sit on the computer where I became involved in group chats. I am truly devastated by my behaviour and genuinely remorseful for my actions."

Jeacock was reported to have one previous, unrelated conviction. His barrister, James Heyworth, asserted that his client had no face-to-face contact with children and suggested the possibility of the devices being wiped.

Recorder Ciaran Rankin, presiding over the sentencing, stated he had reviewed a letter from Jeacock, his mother, the Safer Lives Programme attendance record, and his presentence report.

"You have accepted that you are responsible," Recorder Rankin addressed Jeacock.

Jeacock, residing at Royal Gardens, Bowdon, received a three-year community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, 10 days of rehabilitation activity requirements, and an Accreddited Sex Offender Programme. He was also subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the Sex Offenders Register, both for a period of five years.