Disabled Keighley recluse admits offences

John Wadsworth, who has had both legs amputated, was reported to the police and his flat raided.

He pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to 17 offences of making and possessing indecent images of young boys.

Wadsworth, 68, of Fell Lane, Keighley, had had no sexual experiences and lived a reclusive life, the court was told.

He had bought a laptop computer shortly before he committed the offences.

Prosecutor Paul Nicholson said the window cleaner spotted Wadsworth looking at child pornography on December 14, 2007, and immediately alerted the police.

Officers raided his flat and seized the computer which contained more than a thousand indecent images, including five at the most serious level.

Wadsworth told police he was not looking at the pictures for sexual gratification. It was more of a game.

“I’m 68 years old and past all that,” he said in interview.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said he shuddered at the thought of sending someone with Wadsworth’s disabilities to jail.

But he warned: “If you are caught doing this again, disability or no, you will get sent to prison.”

The judge, who saw some of the images, added: “Without a market, these young boys would not be abused in the way I have, very unfortunately, had to view.”

Judge Durham Hall said Wadsworth had no idea of the enormity and unnaturalness of his actions.

He praised the window cleaner for bringing the matter to the attention of the police.

Wadsworth was sentenced to a three-year community order and ordered to take part in the Sex Offender Treatment Programme.

He must register with the police as a sex offender for five years.

In mitigation, his barrister, Robin Frieze, said Wadsworth had previously led a blameless and sheltered life.

He suffered from diabetes and walked with a metal crutch after both his legs were amputated.

His offending, almost two years ago, happened after the death of his mother two months earlier, said Mr Frieze.