JOHN MOOR FROM NEWCASTLE SENTENCED FOR VIEWING INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
A man identified as John Moor, from Newcastle, was convicted of possessing indecent images of children and related offenses, in a case highlighting the serious harm caused by such material.Police conducted searches at Moor's home and workplace following intelligence that suggested his IP address had been involved in illegal online activities.
While there was no evidence he had distributed the images, authorities found that he had been in contact with others online who shared an interest in similar material.
Devices seized included two mobile phones, which contained a total of 35 Category A images, 29 Category B images, and 150 Category C images.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw explained, "He said he found them online, downloaded them, viewed them, deleted them but didn't realize a record of them remained..." Moor, aged 38 and living in Octavia Court, Wallsend, has no prior convictions.
He admitted to three counts of making indecent images, possessing 31 prohibited cartoon images, and carrying an offensive weapon—an extendable baton found in his car—claimed to be for self-defense after a prior incident of car crime.
He was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment suspended for two years, with a requirement to register as a sex offender for ten years and a sexual harm prevention order imposed.
Judge Stephen Earl emphasized the gravity of such offenses, stating, "Every time an image is viewed or downloaded it creates a victim...
you have re-victimised those children when you download their images.
If you knew the child, can you imagine the horror you would have.
That's why it's such an awful thing." Defense solicitor Mark Harrison expressed remorse on Moor's behalf, noting that the offenses occurred over only a week and that Moor has since sought support from various organizations.
He explained that Moor's marriage had broken down, resulting in only supervised contact with his young son.
The court was also told Moor had been subjected to threats and abuse, including harassment in a WhatsApp group involving former colleagues.
