CHRISTIAN HAWKES FROM WEST YORKSHIRE JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE MATERIAL

In May 2021, Christian Hawkes, a 30-year-old from Hilltop Avenue, Ainley Top, West Yorkshire, was sentenced to prison after being found with a large collection of child abuse images and videos. The authorities arrested him in June 2019 following a concerning online exchange. Hawkes had sent a woman an image with the caption: 'Kids love my paedo ****.'

The next day, police visited Hawkes’ home and recovered multiple devices, which were later examined for indecent material. They discovered nearly 1,000 indecent images of children, along with 38 videos. Evidence also showed Hawkes was sharing four images with other paedophiles in an online chat group, where new members were required to post indecent images of children.

Prosecutor Conor Quinn stated during the court hearing that Hawkes had encouraged this activity by sharing the images himself. Hawkes admitted to possessing and distributing indecent images and videos of children.

The children depicted ranged in age from 18 months to about 15 years old, with some victims displaying signs of distress. Despite Hawkes claiming remorse, the court rejected a plea for a reduced or suspended sentence.

Judge Jonathan Rose sentenced Hawkes to 12 months in prison, citing legal guidelines and reducing the sentence by 25% because of his guilty pleas, originally set at 16 months. The judge emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, 'What you and others like you must understand is that every single image of child pornography requires the desecration of a child. It is a torment and for all those children it is a torment that cannot be absolved by your declarations of remorse.'

Describing the images as 'despicable,' the judge underscored that Hawkes’ willingness to share such material with other paedophiles warranted an immediate custodial sentence. Hawkes is also required to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years and must comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.