Paedophile Spared Jail After Demonstrating 'Real Motivation'

Miles Chapman, 29, of Runcorn, was found with child abuse images but avoided jail after showing "real motivation" to deal with his issues.

Chapman appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, where prosecutor Brett Williamson revealed that a police officer had found child abuse images on Chapman's phone during a compliance visit in December 2021.

The collection included Category A images, the worst type, as well as Category B and C images, and prohibited computer-generated images (CGI). The images featured young girls, some as young as eight years old, being abused.

Chapman's stash also breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed for similar offences several years ago, which banned him from having pictures of children under 16.

Despite a "long history of sexual interest in children," defense barrister Ben Stanley argued for leniency, citing Chapman's guilty pleas and his compliance with requirements since his last prison sentence.

Stanley highlighted Chapman's "quite serious mental health issues," including autism, ADHD, anxiety, and his struggles with coping mechanisms.

He said Chapman's recent time in prison had been a "first significant taste of custody" and had "instilled real motivation" to address his behavior.

Judge Simon Berkson sentenced Chapman to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation, and said he avoided immediate custody because Chapman was "for the first time engaging with the courses being offered."

Chapman must also complete the Horizon sex offender programme, a 35-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and sign on the sex offender register for 10 years.

Judge Berkson stated that the sentence was based on the positive effect of Chapman's recent 16-month prison sentence on his behavior.