GEORGE CURRY PETERLEE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL SHOCKS NORTH EAST

In November 2005, a disturbing case emerged involving George Curry, a 64-year-old resident of Peterlee, who was found to possess a significant collection of illegal child pornography. The investigation was initiated after Curry’s internet provider flagged his online activity, noticing that he had been accessing paedophile-related websites. This prompted authorities to take swift action, leading to a police raid on his residence located in Cumbrian Way, Peterlee.

During the raid, law enforcement officers seized Curry’s computer for forensic analysis. Experts meticulously examined the device and uncovered a disturbing cache of images, totaling 178 illegal photographs depicting children in various inappropriate and exploitative situations. The investigation revealed that Curry had harbored an unhealthy and troubling interest in children for approximately a decade, raising serious concerns about his ongoing activities.

At Durham Crown Court, Curry faced charges related to his possession and viewing of child pornography. Prosecutor Tim Gittins detailed the case, stating, “Police seized the computer and found that in the early hours of August 16, last year, Curry accessed a series of 14 websites. The Crown says it is obvious from the names of the sites they were likely to contain unlawful material.” He further explained, “Computer experts found 178 illegal images of children on the computer and a large amount of child pornographic literature.”

When questioned by police, Curry claimed that he had only visited the front pages of each of these websites, suggesting a lack of intent to view the explicit content fully. Despite this, he admitted to 15 charges of making indecent photographs of children. Notably, Curry was described as being of previous good character, which was considered during sentencing.

Defense lawyer Dan Cordey argued that Curry had pleaded guilty and emphasized that none of the images were of the most severe kind. He expressed concern over Curry’s mental state, stating, “He has pleaded guilty and none of the images were of the most serious kind. It is difficult for Mr Curry being in court and he is gravely concerned at the prospect of custody.”

Ultimately, the judge, Esmond Faulks, opted for a community-based sentence. Curry was ordered to complete a three-year community rehabilitation order, aimed at monitoring and addressing his behavior. Additionally, a lifetime Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed, which prohibits Curry from possessing any photographs of children, except those involving his own family members. He is also barred from having any unsupervised contact with children. Furthermore, Curry is required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing oversight of his activities and preventing further harm to the community.