Wigan 66-year-old with library of child abuse films learns his fate

Graham McDonald appeared before a Bolton Crown Court judge, having pleaded guilty to having more than 2,100 images involving the sexual abuse of youngsters.

The hearing was told that the 66-year-old of Lilac Grove, Golborne, created the disgusting pictures and films between July 2016 and May 2020.

Of the footage found on McDonald’s devices, 175 fell into the gravest category of sexual offending seriousness (A).

Another 162 were deemed category B and a massive 1,843 were judged category C.

He also admitted to a fourth charge of possessing a prohibited image of a child.

The hearing was told that police received intelligence that an IP address belonging to McDonald was being used to access illegal images.

They launched a raid on his home and seized various electrical devices for forensic examination and on which the abuse images were found.

He was sentenced to a three-year community order, must complete 35 days of rehabilitation activities, must signon the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years and has been made the subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.