November 2014
Shrewsbury man admits string of sexual offences including making 140,000 indecent images of children
A man has admitted a string of sex offences including making almost 140,000 indecent images of children and indecent assault.
Brian Learmonth, 64, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday to face 20 different charges.
He admitted six counts of making indecent images of a child, including 111,763 in category C – the least serious category – almost 18,000 in category B, and more than 10,400 in category A, the most serious category.
Some of the images were of a six year old child and dated back to 1989 while the most recent photographs were made in February this year.
Learmonth admitted three charges of making indecent films of children as well as having made more than 1,400 at category A and hundreds at lower levels.
And he admitted possessing 166 extreme pornographic images showing bestiality.
Further guilty pleas were made to three charges of indecent assault involving two children aged nine to 10 and one aged six to seven, all of which happened between January 1 1989, and December 31 1990.
He admitted two further charges of indecent assault which took place between August 9 and 10, 1989, and a final indecent assault involving an eight year old, which took place between April 5 1990, and April 6 1991.
Learmonth, of Poynton Road, Shrewsbury, denied three charges of distributing indecent images and videos of children and one of indecent assault.
Prosecutor, Mr Phillip Bradley, said the pleas were acceptable and indicated that he would ask for the three charges Learmonth denied to lie on the file, meaning no further action will be taken.
The court heard that Learmonth has previous convictions for indecent assault and taking indecent images.
Mr Recorder Nicolas Cartwright ordered reports to be prepared before sentencing and remanded Learmonth in custody.
Learmonth was told he will have to sign on to the sex offenders register.
The case was adjourned.
