JAMES CLOSE SHILDON PASSPORT OFFICE EMPLOYEE SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

James Close, a 36-year-old employee at the Passport Office, has been formally sentenced for his involvement in the possession and theft of indecent images of children. The criminal activities took place over a span of several months in 2018, during which Close unlawfully accessed and took approximately 30 photographs from passport applications. These images depicted young girls aged between eight and sixteen years old, raising serious concerns about the breach of privacy and the exploitation of minors.

In January 2020, law enforcement officers conducted a thorough search of Close's residence in Shildon. During this search, they uncovered three electronic devices that contained more than 1,000 indecent images of children. It was also revealed that Close had stored the passport photographs in a locked drawer within his home, indicating an attempt to conceal his illicit activities. The case was brought before Durham Crown Court, where emotional testimonies were heard, including that of the mother of one of the affected girls. She expressed her family's profound sense of violation and distress caused by Close’s actions, highlighting the impact on their sense of security and trust.

During the court proceedings, Judge Jonathan Carroll acknowledged the disturbing nature of the crimes but also noted some reassurance in the fact that the stolen images were not shared or further manipulated into more explicit or abusive content. Close ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts related to the production of indecent images, possession of prohibited images, and one count of theft. His legal counsel, Nigel Soppitt, described Close as socially inadequate and revealed that he had never experienced a meaningful adult relationship. Soppitt also mentioned that Close admitted the images were simply 'attractive to him,' although he did not provide any further explanation for his actions.

In sentencing, Judge Carroll imposed a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. The judge emphasized the serious breach of trust and the potential harm caused to the public’s confidence in the Passport Office. Additionally, Close was ordered to adhere to a curfew and is required to register as a sex offender, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the ongoing risk to the community.