ANDREW WATSON FROM SOUTH SHIELDS CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND CONSIDERS SUICIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of South Shields, Andrew Watson, a 30-year-old man from South Tyneside, was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images involving children. The police investigation revealed that Watson had downloaded a total of 882 illicit images, including 24 photographs and two videos classified as the most severe category of child exploitation material.

These images depicted both boys and girls, all under the age of 12, with some victims believed to be as young as under three years old. The discovery was made during a police raid on Watson’s then residence in Marigold Walk, South Shields, on December 9. The authorities acted swiftly after receiving information that led them to his home, where they uncovered the extensive collection of illegal material.

Prosecutor Bridie Smurthwaite outlined the events at Newcastle Crown Court, stating that Watson attempted to evade arrest by jumping out of an upstairs window and fleeing the scene. Officers managed to seize a Samsung laptop from the premises, which contained the incriminating images. During his initial police interview, Watson admitted to downloading indecent images of children for approximately two and a half years. He claimed that his original intent was to create a website where the public could help identify the victims, with the aim of stopping the abuse. However, he admitted that he became addicted to the material, using search engines and file-sharing platforms to find more images.

Watson faced multiple charges, including ten counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing such images. His defense lawyer, Vic Laffey, highlighted Watson’s remorse, noting that the defendant had lost everything—his home, contact with his wife, and, due to intervention by social services, had no current contact with his two young sons. The lawyer also revealed that Watson had contemplated suicide on more than one occasion, with instances including being found on the cliffs in South Shields and on the Tyne Bridge.

In sentencing, Watson received a three-year community order. He is required to participate in a sex offender group work program, notify police of any change of address for the next five years, and is subject to a 10-year sex offender prevention order. The order also restricts him from owning any device capable of accessing the internet or storing images unless it has a fully viewable browsing history and is accessible to law enforcement. Additionally, Watson is prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any further risk to minors.