GLEN SANDERSON FROM INGLEBY BARWICK, MIDDLESBROUGH, JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the local community and highlighted the severity of online child exploitation, Glen Sanderson, a 50-year-old electrician residing in Ingleby Barwick, Middlesbrough, was sentenced to a two-year prison term after being found in possession of an extraordinarily large collection of indecent images of children. The investigation, conducted by Cleveland Police, uncovered one of the most extensive caches of child pornography ever seized in the region, comprising over 220,000 photographs and videos.

Sanderson’s addiction to viewing and collecting such material persisted for more than six years. The disturbing collection was initially discovered when police searched his flat in Ingleby Barwick in November of the previous year. During the search, officers uncovered a significant quantity of CDs, videos, and photographs stored within his residence, including items hidden behind the bath panel of his bathroom. The police also found a wallet containing additional CDs and DVDs in a safe, which was later handed over to authorities. These findings prompted further investigation, leading to the seizure of six wallets and a hard drive containing illicit material.

Prosecutor Harry Hadfield revealed in court that Sanderson’s collection included a staggering 222,527 indecent images, both still photographs and moving pictures. Among these, approximately 3,000 were movies, with the remaining 219,000 being still images. The images depicted children aged between six and 15, with some classified at the most severe levels of harm, Levels 4 and 5, with 453 images falling into the highest category. Forensic experts confirmed that Sanderson was a regular visitor to pornographic websites, which facilitated his accumulation of such material.

Sanderson’s arrest was first made on November 16 of the previous year, and he was interviewed by police. Due to the volume of material involved, he was detained again on July 16 of this year for further questioning. The investigation revealed that Sanderson had been actively collecting and storing these images over a period spanning from November 2002 to November 2008.

During the court proceedings, his defense lawyer, Peter Wishlade, acknowledged the gravity of the case, stating that Sanderson anticipated a custodial sentence. Wishlade also highlighted that Sanderson had no prior convictions and maintained an exemplary work record, which he argued should be considered during sentencing. However, the judge, Mr. Justice McCombe, was unequivocal in his judgment, sentencing Sanderson to two years in prison. Additionally, he was banned from working with children for life and ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years. The court also mandated the seizure and destruction of all images and equipment related to the offense.

Sanderson, who hails from the Midfield area of Middlesbrough on the Ayresome Park development, pleaded guilty to 19 charges of making indecent images of children and one charge of possession. The charges covered offenses committed between November 2002 and November 2008. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from such heinous crimes.