Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 1st April 2025, at 15:55hrs
Robert Swaine, 31, of Prospect Vale, Fairfield, has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison, plus a two-year extended license, for a series of heinous crimes against children, including indecent exposure and the possession of a vast collection of child sexual abuse material.
The sentencing, which took place at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, March 31st, also included a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The shocking details of Swaine’s crimes emerged after detectives received intelligence regarding the distribution of indecent images of children.
A subsequent warrant executed at his residence led to the seizure of five electronic devices.
Forensic examination revealed the devices contained over a thousand indecent images and videos of children, categorized as A, B, and C, indicating the most severe forms of abuse.
Adding to the gravity of his offences, Swaine also indecently exposed himself to an 11-year-old child at a bus stop on County Road in Walton in September of last year. He was apprehended at the scene.
Swaine pleaded guilty to all six charges, which included indecent exposure, possessing prohibited images, three counts of making indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child (category A, B, and C), and possession of photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child (category A, B, and C).
Detective Inspector James Milligan condemned Swaine’s actions, stating,
“This sentence follows a thorough investigation to bring Swaine before the courts and ensure he is held accountable for his utterly depraved and abhorrent crimes against children.
The impact on the victims of these appalling offences is significant and long-lasting.”
Merseyside Police reiterated its commitment to protecting children and urged anyone who has experienced or witnessed abuse to come forward.
“We take all such reports extremely seriously,” said DI Milligan, “and we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”
The police also provided contact information for support services, including:
* NSPCC: 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk
* Childline: 0800 1111
* Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside: 0151 558 1801
* Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside: 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
* Anonymous reporting: https://orlo.uk/cP8Ts
The sentencing sends a clear message that those who prey on children will be brought to justice and face the full consequences of their actions.
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