Sale Man Sentenced For Indecent Images

A man who had indecent images of children on his computer has been sentenced.

Michael Wheeler (born 28/02/53) of Marsland Road, Sale, was found guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of 22 counts of making indecent images of children and sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing.

Wheeler has signed the sex offenders register for seven years, and has been issued with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order limiting his future contact with children

In June 2009, a warrant was executed at Wheeler’s flat where CD’s and computer equipment was seized.

When the items were examined, he was found to have over 27,000 indecent images of children as well as 40 indecent videos, showing children being raped and sexually abused.

Detective Constable John Weir, of the Public Protection Investigation Unit at Trafford, said:

'The actions of Wheeler, and others who download and share illegal images like this, fuel the trade of child sexual abuse.

'I want to send out a clear message to anyone who thinks they can get hold of these vile images and get away with it: you will be pursued, you will be and tracked down by the police and you will be brought before the courts.'