Blackpool: From the courts 10-01-18

Andrew Galeney, 54, possessing an indecent photograph of a child

A paedophile has been caught again with indecent photographs of young children.

Andrew Galeney was also found with extreme pornography in his possession depicting a person having sex with a fish and a chicken.

Galeney, 54, of Riversleigh Avenue, Lytham, had previously caused a furore when he was arrested in front of the Crimewatch television programme cameras for similar offences.

A judge also complained when he sentenced him in 2008 to 32 months jail that he wanted to give Galeney six years, but could not because of a loophole in the law as he had pleaded guilty.

At the time of those offences Galeney had been living in Beacon Lodge, Ribbleton, Preston, and had used public computers in two Preston libraries to share horrific images sex images of young boys.

In addition he had used an Internet terminal at Preston railway station to swop fantasies with another paedophile in Canada and was caught after the Royal Canadian police tipped off British police.

Galeney pleaded guilty to five charges of possessing an indecent photograph of a child, some at the highest level of depravity.

He also admitted one offence of possessing a prohibited image of the child and one offence of possessing extreme pornography.

The images were found when police seized mobiles phones belonging to Galeney at his home in Lytham.

Prosecutor, Pam Smith, said category A images of children, the most indecent, had been found in Galeney’s possession.Galeney had previous similar convictions and was on an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order from a crown court.

Brett Chappell, defending, who said his client had co-operated completely with the police investigation and pleaded guilty immediately, asked for pre-sentence reports on his client.

Galeney was given unconditional bail to appear on February 7 for sentence at Preston Crown Court by Blackpool magistrates.

As he left the dock Galeney wiped away tears and said: “I’m so sorry.”

James Campbell, 32, assault

A Blackpool man who faces an assault charge has had his case adjourned.

James Campbell, 32, will have have pre sentence reports prepared on him before his next appearance at court on January 17.

Campbell of Talbot Road, is charged with assaulting an off duty police constable and breaching a suspended sentence order. He was bailed.

Oliver Wheatcroft, 27, theft

A man who was put on a Criminal Behaviour Order to prevent him begging and stole when he was at his lowest ebb was commended by magistrates for the efforts he was making to turn his life around.

Oliver Wheatcroft, a former drug addict, sold aftershave he had taken so he could pay for food and electricity.

Wheatcroft, 27, of Liverpool Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to theft.He was given a 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £40 compensation.

He had not misused drugs since before Christmas and hoped to go to a residential rehabilitation unit.

Presiding magistrate, Susan Edwards, told him: “We commend the efforts you are making to get better.”

Darren King, 50, driving while disqualified and without insurance

A defendant was unable to attend court because he waiting for surgery a court was told.

Darren King, 50, of Thirlmere Road, South Shore, is accused of driving a Fiat Scudo van on Highcross Road, Poulton, while disqualified and without insurance on November 26.

King’s case was adjourned to February 6.

Katrina Lawrenson, 30, assaulting, ill-treating or neglecting a child likely to cause him unnecessary suffering or injury to health

A psychiatric hospital worker has made her first appearance at court accused of abusing a seven-year-old boy she was meant to be looking after.

Katrina Lawrenson, who worked at The Harbour Hospital, Blackpool, is alleged to have left the ill child alone on more than 100 nights while she worked at the hospital.

Lawrenson, 30, of Devon Street, South Shore, Blackpool, is charged with assaulting, ill-treating or neglecting a child likely to cause him unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

The offence is said to have taken place between February 3 and July 17 last year.

Prosecutor, Pam Smith, said the prosecution’s case was that it was protracted neglect of the child.

Lawrenson was given unconditional bail to appear at Preston Crown Court at a later date.