ALSTON MAN DAVID NOWAK SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN CARLISLE COURT

In a serious case heard at Carlisle Crown Court, David Nowak, a 42-year-old resident of Jollybeard Gate in Alston, was formally sentenced for possessing and viewing a significant collection of indecent images of children. The court was informed that Nowak had been engaged in this illegal activity over a span of more than six years, during which he downloaded and catalogued hundreds of such images.

Specifically, authorities discovered that Nowak had accumulated nearly 700 photographs and videos stored across his laptop and an external hard drive. Among these, approximately 272 items were classified under Category A, which is designated as the most severe level of indecency and criminality concerning child exploitation material. The sheer volume and categorization of these images underscored the gravity of his offenses.

During the proceedings, Nowak admitted to three charges of making indecent photographs of children, as well as a possession offence related to the illegal material. The court considered a comprehensive background report, including a psychological assessment, before reaching a verdict. Judge Peter Hughes QC emphasized that the primary goal was to protect the public from further harm.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Hughes decided that the appropriate punishment was a community order lasting 36 months, which is the maximum length permitted under the law for such cases. Additionally, Nowak was ordered to complete a 35-day rehabilitation program aimed at addressing underlying issues. He is also required to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which imposes strict restrictions to prevent any future offending.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities in Carlisle and the wider region to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and maintaining public safety.