MAN SENTENCED FOR CREATING CHILD SEX IMAGES USING AI
A man from Heathfield, who was found with thousands of illegal images, has become one of the first individuals in the area to receive a sentence for creating child sexual abuse material using artificial intelligence.James Castell, 40, residing on High Street in Heathfield, attracted police attention in October 2024 after being linked to the online distribution of an indecent image of a child.
The image appeared to have been generated through AI technology.
Following the allegations, officers from Sussex Police’s Online Child Abuse Team (OCAT) arrested Castell, searched his residence, and confiscated multiple digital devices.
An examination of the devices revealed more than 3,800 indecent images of children, with 640 categorized as the most severe, Category A.
These images included depictions of penetrative sexual acts, bestiality, and sadism.
The images dated back as far as 2016.
Authorities also discovered AI software that creates images from text, along with evidence indicating Castell's role in sharing the initial AI-produced indecent image.
Additionally, online searches suggested a sexual interest in children.
Castell faced charges including three counts of possessing indecent or pseudo-photographs of a child, possessing prohibited images of a child, and distributing such images.
He appeared in Hastings Magistrates' Court on 8 October and admitted all charges.
On 19 December at Lewes Crown Court, Castell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also issued a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order to limit his digital device usage and contact with children, registered as a sex offender for ten years, and required to undertake rehabilitation activities along with 240 hours of community service.
