Stroke victim who became isolated in Covid pandemic developed a sick interest
15.11.2023 - 07:47
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A stroke victim who developed a twisted interest during the Covid pandemic told police he had memory loss after being caught. Wheelchair-bound David Walton became isolated in 2020, a court heard yesterday (November 14).
The situation was described as the 'catalyst' for the 69-year-old developing an interest in child abuse images. Liverpool Crown Court heard how Walton, from Warrington, had his home raided by police armed with a search warrant.
Iain Criddle, prosecuting, said the raid followed offences which took place between November 13 and 15, 2020. Walton had his mobile phone seized, and forensic examination revealed three images on the device in the most serious category, including two videos.
READ MORE: "Mum, I think I have messed up here": 'Idiotic' driver who killed a grandma and injured two of her relatives did 118mph in 30 zone
READ MORE: Shocking moment married dad admits he's out to meet 'girl' aged just 14 with 'sweets and chocolate'
There were also three images in the next category and one on the lowest category. The court heard that the images included children as young as six. The images appeared to have been received from a WhatsApp chat with someone else, which had automatically saved to the phone.
Mr Criddle said: "He was arrested but when officers became aware of his ill health they de-arrested him and he was warned to attend a police station for interview." When first interviewed Walton said he had memory loss and denied the offences, the court heard.
But as he was later re-interviewed, he admitted his guilt. Walton, of Aldwood Close, Birchwood, pleaded guilty to three offences of making indecent images and one of possessing them.
Fiona McNeill, defending, said the defendant had no previous