Benjamin Heron

Benjamin Heron, a 32-year-old man from Northwich, Cheshire, appeared before Chester Crown Court on Wednesday via video-link from HM Prison Altcourse, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to possessing and distributing indecent images of children. This marked the third time Heron had been caught with such material, breaching a sexual harm prevention order imposed in December 2018 following the discovery of over 1,000 disturbing child abuse photos and videos, including images of children being raped.

The latest incident occurred on 25 March 2024, when police conducted a visit to Heron's home on Church Road in Northwich. Heron initially claimed he had no devices for inspection apart from a Nintendo Switch and two internet-enabled televisions. However, a search of the property uncovered a computer tower, three mobile phones, a memory card, and a memory stick. A preliminary examination of the computer tower revealed downloaded files containing indecent images of children, prompting a full forensic analysis of all devices.

The forensic examination uncovered 623 indecent images of children, with 319 classified as category A—the most severe category involving penetrative sexual activity and rape of children. Prosecutors noted that this was only a sample, as officers stopped after reaching the required threshold, estimating the total stash at up to 200,000 depraved files. Heron also admitted to six counts of distributing category A images online to other individuals, during which he engaged in 'horrific chats' with someone posing as a babysitter, inquiring whether they had ever sexually abused the children in their care. Additionally, he possessed prohibited images, including pornographic anime featuring underage characters.

Heron's prior convictions included a breach in October 2020, when police found more indecent images during a routine visit to his then-home at Grange Place in Birkenhead. Shannon Stewart, prosecuting, outlined the case to the court, highlighting the severity of the material. Midway through the prosecution's opening, Judge Patrick Thompson intervened, questioning the absence of pre-sentence reports assessing Heron's dangerousness to children. Both Ms Stewart and defence counsel Peter Barnett confirmed no such reports existed, leading the judge to adjourn the hearing.

Judge Thompson stated: 'I am sorry that I cannot deal with your case today, but I order a pre-sentence report to deal with the question of if you pose a danger to children.' Heron was remanded in custody, with the sentencing hearing scheduled to resume on 21 November 2024. The case was reported by the Wirral Globe, based on proceedings at Chester Crown Court.