MAN DOWNLOADED MORE THAN 1,000 INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
A man who downloaded over 1,000 indecent images of children has been given a suspended prison term.James Almack, who owns an MoT and vehicle servicing business, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, sitting as Teesside Crown Court, on July 31 for sentencing after admitting to three counts of producing indecent images and one count of possessing extreme pornography.
His collection included 312 images classified as Category A, the most severe type involving child sexual abuse.
He also downloaded 480 Category B images and more than 300 Category C photos.
The court was informed that Almack, aged 41, kept these images for nearly a year until December 2023.
Prosecutor Peter Sabiston stated that Almack, from Thornborough near Bedale and Ripon, confessed during his initial police interview but remained silent when questioned further by officers.
Defence lawyer Matthew Purves acknowledged the seriousness and repulsiveness of Almack’s crimes, which had deeply affected his family.
It was noted that Almack, a married father, had been expelled from his home and was now living in a caravan.
Almack, of Fore Lane, Thornborough, had no prior criminal record and was described as having an exceptional work ethic.
He is employed at a garage and MoT centre that he has run for many years.
The judge, Recorder Louise Cox, emphasized that many of the images contained children of varying ages, which worsened the case.
Despite this, she acknowledged Almack’s remorse and his commendable conduct at work.
She highlighted that Almack had significant personal reasons for mitigation, including financial dependence of his family and his role as an employer.
The judge concluded that the offences were so grave that prison was necessary but allowed for a suspended sentence given the circumstances.
Almack received an 18-month suspended sentence, during which he must do 140 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and subjected to a 10-year sexual-harm prevention order to restrict his online activity.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,000 and a statutory surcharge.
