A judge had to stop sentencing a paedophile after he realised he knew him and did not want to prejudice the case. Christopher Jeacock, 37, of Bowdon, had earlier pleaded guilty to the making of indecent images of children, possession of a prohibited image of a child and possession of an extreme pornographic image.
Judge Mark Savill stopped the proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday and claimed the name had ‘rung a bell’. After confirming that Jeacock worked for Hale United FC, he stated he could not continue sentencing him.
Judge Savill said: “I can’t do this case. It’s not your fault - very unfortunate but it’s one of the prices we pay for local justice. Bottom line is there cannot appear to be any kind of prejudice or advantage to you by virtue of any connection you or I may have.’’
