Charles Cornelius

An Ellesmere Port man, Charles Cornelius, has admitted to serious child sex offences involving the possession of a 'paedophile manual' and over 6,000 indecent images of children. The 57-year-old appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, November 3, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to prohibited and indecent materials depicting child abuse.

The offences centre on Cornelius's possession of electronic devices containing explicit and abusive content. On August 9, 2023, authorities discovered a OnePlus 9 mobile phone in his possession that included a 'paedophile manual' offering advice and guidance on sexually abusing children. The same device and date also revealed a Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 with similar prohibited materials. Between July 6, 2022, and August 9, 2023, Cornelius had downloaded 5,247 Category A indecent photographs and pseudo-photographs of children, alongside 72 Category B items, 1,340 additional indecent images, and at least one prohibited image of a child.

Cheshire Constabulary investigated the case after the materials were uncovered on the devices seized from Cornelius's address at Telfords Quay, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port. The court heard particulars of the charges, including two counts of possessing a paedophile manual, two counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, one count of possessing such indecent materials, and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child. All offences occurred in Cheshire.

Following his guilty pleas, District Judge Nicholas Sanders granted Cornelius conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear for sentencing at Chester Crown Court on November 28, 2024, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined. This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material in the region.

• Possession of paedophile manual on OnePlus 9 mobile phone (August 9, 2023)
• Possession of similar materials on Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 (August 9, 2023)
• Downloading of 5,247 Category A indecent images (July 6, 2022 - August 9, 2023)
• Possession of 72 Category B indecent images/videos
• Possession of 1,340 indecent photographs
• Possession of prohibited image of a child