Royton Man Sentenced for Child Abuse Images

A Royton man, Kevin Lane of Wendlebury Green, has been sentenced to 21 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months after pleading guilty to making indecent photographs of a child and downloading images of children over several years.

The 53-year-old appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday (August 4) where he was also placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for 10 years. He was also given a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

The court heard that Lane, a computer repair technician, used his knowledge to download the images and cover his tracks. He initially lied about his actions but eventually pleaded guilty before trial.

Judge Hilary Manley acknowledged Lane's remorse, but emphasized the severity of his actions, stating, "Over several years you downloaded images of children being sexually abused. Some of those images were of very young children. As a result of your work as a computer repair man you knew exactly what you were doing and the steps to take to cover your tracks."

Lane's employer is conducting an internal inquiry next week, which is expected to result in his dismissal.

In mitigation, Lane's defense barrister, Richard Orme, highlighted his lack of previous convictions and his genuine remorse. He also pleaded for leniency due to the significant medical issues of Lane's son.

Judge Manley warned Lane, "If you fail in any way to adhere to what the probation service set out for you to do over the next two years you will be back before me and regardless of the effect on your son, I will have no choice but to act on the suspended sentence."