IAN PATTISON FROM CRAMLINGTON CAUGHT VIEWING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN NORTHUMBERLAND

In October 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Ian Pattison, a man from Cramlington, Northumberland, who was found to have been viewing illicit images of children online. The investigation was initiated after police officers seized Pattison’s laptop during a routine search at his residence in Northumberland. The authorities uncovered a collection of indecent images depicting pre-pubescent children being sexually abused, which prompted a detailed examination of his digital activity.

During questioning, Pattison, aged 58 and residing on Angerton Terrace in Cramlington, admitted to having viewed these disturbing images. He claimed that his interest was driven by curiosity and boredom, asserting that he had not stored the images himself. Pattison reportedly told officers, “If you really want something, you keep them,” implying that he had considered saving the images but denied doing so. His explanation was met with concern by the investigators, who found evidence suggesting otherwise.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Pattison’s online searches revealed a disturbing pattern. Police found that he had accessed three Category A images, which are classified as the most severe and involve penetrative sexual acts with children. Additionally, he had viewed seven Category B images and thirteen Category C images, which are considered less severe but still involve illegal content. The images in the Category A category depicted attacks on children around the age of ten, highlighting the seriousness of his online activity.

Prosecutor David Crook explained that police had attended Pattison’s home in Northumberland last year and seized his computer. The investigation revealed that Pattison had used various search terms and visited multiple websites that clearly contained indecent images of children. The evidence indicated a pattern of deliberate searching and viewing, rather than accidental discovery. Despite his claims of not storing the images, the police found sufficient evidence to establish his involvement in viewing these illegal materials.

In court, Recorder Euan Duff addressed Pattison directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. Pattison, who has no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children. The judge sentenced him to a two-year community order, which includes mandatory attendance at a treatment program for sex offenders. Additionally, Pattison was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for five years, a measure designed to monitor and prevent further offending.

Recorder Duff expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s a very sad thing to see a man of your age and of previously good character appearing on charges of this nature. I’m sure you are thoroughly ashamed of your conduct.” He further explained the broader harm caused by such actions, noting that “any viewing of these images is serious – the more people view these images, the more real children somewhere in the world get abused. That’s the harm it does, as well as the potential for corruption leading on to other things.” The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the offense and the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.