Christopher Mead, 43, of Spencer Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order. He was committed to Burnley Crown Court for sentencing on May 7th.
Mead initially denied possessing any internet-enabled devices to police during two compliance visits. However, upon being informed of an impending search, he admitted to owning a laptop and a hard drive. Police had received information about the sharing of indecent images and his IP address was flagged.
The defense argued that this was the first breach of the order (issued in 2021) and that Mead intended to register the laptop, claiming he did not remember when the hard drive was last used.
The prosecution highlighted that Mead's actions not only breached the order but also enabled further potential offenses by his deception. The fact that he lied to police on two occasions was emphasized.
Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Christopher Mead denied having any internet-enabled devices on two occasions but owned up when officers said they would conduct a search.
Mead, 43, of Spencer Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to three charges of breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
He was committed in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on May 7.
Lyndsey Vinden, prosecuting, said when police first went to the defendant’s home on a compliance visit he denied having any internet-enabled devices.
He explained that a WiFi device was to run the smart TV.
“The police then received information regarding the sharing of indecent images, and the defendant’s IP address was flagged up,” said Miss Vinden.
When police called again, Mead again denied he had any internet-enabled devices, but when told there would be a search, admitted he had a laptop and a hard drive.
“It is not just a breach of the order,” said Miss Vinden.
“There is evidence the breach was enabling further offences to take place. He lied to police on two occasions.”
Irfan Akhtar, mitigating, said the order had been made in 2021 and this was the first breach.
“He intended to register the laptop and doesn’t remember when the hard drive was last used,” added Mr Irfan.
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