Warrington paedophile stored sick images under folder titled 'school'

32-year-old Colin Butler, from Old Hall, was found in possession of more than 1100 indecent images.

He appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday facing six charges that spanned across six years from 2015 until the present year.

Derek Jones, prosecuting, told the court that police received intelligence after an IP address was traced back to an address on Cavendish Close in Warrington – the home of the defendant.

On January 24, police went to the address and searched Butler’s home.

Three items were seized which included an iPhone and a tower unit which both held prohibited images.

Pictures were stored on the defendant’s phone under files that had passwords which Butler later provided to the police.

One file was titled ‘school’ and another ‘hidden pictures’, and websites visited on the devices included the searches of ‘shy teens’ and ‘petite teens’.

The law categorises prohibited images of children from category A to C, with A being the most severe including child rape.

Butler was charged with the possession of 1101 indecent images and the making of indecent images, namely 20 category A images.

Pictured: Colin Butler (Image: Supplied)

Being in possession of four pornographic images, including bestiality and making of indecent images, namely 39 category B.

As well as the possession of prohibited images which included nine cartoon images of child abuse.

And lastly 1042 category C images.

“The boys and girls were aged between five and 16,” Mr Jones added. “In one picture there was the rape of a very young child.”

When interviewed, Butler accepted the charges and pleaded guilty at the first hearing at Warrington Magistrates Court.

Mr Jones highlighted aggravating features of the case being the long period of time the offending took place over and were and how the images were stored in Butler’s phone under locked folders.

Defending, Eve Salter said her client was of previous good character. She explained to the judge that Butler has had a visual impairment from being a child and which requires him to wear glasses and use a white cane.

“The defendant tells me he is disgusted by himself and his behaviour.”

Honour Judge Katherine Pierpoint summarised the case by addressing the defendant.

“On the unit and on the phone, they found in total over 1000 indecent photographs of children.

“These are disgusting, depraved images showing the abuse of children. You yourself sadly know from your own experience as a child the devastating effect and long-lasting impact it has on children.

“You have played a role in the abuse of children,” she added.

Butler was allowed to walk free from court with a six-month sentence, suspended 18 months.

He was instead ordered to carry out 45 rehabilitation days and a Maps for Change programme.

A sexual harm prevention order was issued, and he has signed onto the sex offenders register.