A Carlisle man who was sent images showing children being sexually abused and forwarded them on, has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Police went to arrest 57-year-old Mark Hodgson at his place of work, on September 12 last year.
Officers were aware that illegal images of children had been uploaded on a social media platform linked to Hodgson — a married dad.
Two Samsung mobile phones seized from him were analysed. It emerged that illegal still and moving images showing children — aged between seven and 15 — being sexually abused had been uploaded and shared by Hodgson, of Carlisle.
There were a total of 56 images with 38 logged in the most serious class of category A.
When interviewed, Hodgson admitted he was sent the images, which he copied, posted and then forwarded on. He claimed not to have any sexual interest in children whatsoever.
But as he was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court this morning, a judge concluded that assertion was fanciful.
Hodgson admitted making and distributing indecent photographs of children, and possessing extreme pornographic images.
His offending happened over 18 months, between mid-February, 2023 and late August last year.
The court heard Hodgson didn’t appreciate the images he saw portrayed real children.
“With the benefit of hindsight he very much regrets that,” said his solicitor, Jeff Smith, mitigating. “He did what he did. He admitted it at the earliest opportunity.”
The court heard Hodgson had also voluntarily taken steps to address his offending behaviour.
Recorder William Beardmore suspended a 24-month prison sentence for two years. Hodgson must complete rehabilitation sessions and 150 hours’ unpaid work.
Recorder Beardmore reminded Hodgson that the illegal images showed real children, saying: “Those children, somewhere in the world, were being abused by individuals in the most grotesque way.”
“Notwithstanding the fact you did not take these photographs, you were part of the reason there is a demand for this material,” added the judge.
Hodgson is now subject to the sex offender notification requirements, and must also adhere to the strict terms of a prevention order — both for 10 years. He will also be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.
