A SOUTH TYNESIDE MAN WITH AN INTEREST IN HUMANS WHO DRESS AS ANIMALS COULD BE JAILED AFTER BEING CAUGHT IN POSSESSION OF VILE CHILD ABUSE IMAGES.
Darren McGeoch, aged 39 and residing on Jutland Avenue in Hebburn, possessed 37 images classified as the most serious category A and 42 images in category B.Additionally, he was found to have eight images involving children categorized under the lesser category C on his electronic devices, as reported to magistrates in South Tyneside.
It was stated that these images had been downloaded using BitTorrent, a platform for sharing files over the internet.
McGeoch admitted guilt to three charges related to creating indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, with the offenses occurring between August 15 and September 14, 2023.
The magistrates decided to adjourn the case to allow for a comprehensive pre-sentence report that considers all penal options, which could result in imprisonment upon sentencing.
They also ordered that he comply with notification obligations under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Prosecutor Paul Coulson explained, “The images were indeed downloaded.
Among them, 37 were in the more serious category A, which carries a starting point of 12 months’ imprisonment.
The defendant had no prior convictions, and there was no indication that the case required a trial in crown court rather than the magistrates’ court.” Defending him, Chris Wilson stated, “The defendant entered guilty pleas immediately.
During police interviews, he made admissions.
He claims not to recall downloading these specific images and explained that he has an interest in furries—humans dressed as animals—which may have contributed to this situation.
There are no aggravating factors such as cataloging of images.
Mr.
Wilson highlighted that McGeoch suffers from severe anxiety, which causes hyperventilation when leaving his home, and noted that it took considerable courage for him to appear in court.
He emphasized that there is a background to the defendant's circumstances that should be taken into account by the court.” The magistrates also informed McGeoch of the notification requirements, which involve reporting to a police station within three days to verify personal details.
He was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to be sentenced at this court on Thursday, May 8.
