FERRYHILL MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING OVER 14,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

A man named Gabriel Phoenix, residing in Ferryhill, was found to possess over 14,000 indecent images and videos of children, including very young infants. Although he was not charged during a paedophile hunter sting because there was no evidence of grooming at that point, police later examined his computer and uncovered a large collection of vile material downloaded over six years. The images depict children as young as three months and include extreme pornography with animals. The court heard that Phoenix arranged to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old boy on Grindr, but was confronted by vigilantes who had set up a fake profile. Despite extensive online chat, no grooming was found, and he was not charged for that interaction. However, the police investigation revealed the true extent of his crimes. Phoenix initially gave various explanations but eventually pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images and one of possessing extreme pornography, including an image of a child and an animal. Judge Tim Gittins sentenced him to 12 months suspended for two years, with a six-month night-time curfew. He must also complete a sex offenders treatment program, sign the sex offenders register, and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. The judge emphasized that the images involved children as young as babies, stating: 'Each viewing of those images is a fresh abuse of that child.' He added, 'The sooner you face up to the fact you have a problem, the better,' and highlighted the destructive impact of such images. Phoenix’s defense stated that he has no previous convictions, was previously employed in business and customer service, and suffers from borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression. The court rejected his assertion that he had no sexual interest in children, stressing the severity of his offending and the ongoing harm inflicted on the victims.