JOHN RAE PERVERT FROM WORKINGTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER VIEWING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CUMBRIA

In a recent case heard at Carlisle Crown Court, John Rae, a 29-year-old resident of Queen Street in Workington, was found guilty of possessing indecent images of children. The court was informed that Rae had committed a total of 20 counts related to the creation and possession of such illicit material. Despite the severity of the charges, Rae was not sentenced to prison but received a community order instead.

The court proceedings revealed that the charges against Rae were categorized based on the seriousness of the images. Twelve of these counts were classified as level one, indicating the least severe category, while six counts fell under level three, and two were designated as level four. It was noted during the hearing that Rae had been introduced to the concept of these images rather than actively seeking them out, which the court considered during sentencing.

Recorder Eric Lamb, presiding over the case, addressed Rae directly after delivering the sentence. He emphasized the gravity of viewing such images by stating, “Behind every real image of an abused child is a child who was actually abused for the creation of that image. And those who view such images need to think of the trauma to that child that took place to create that image for you to view.” The judge highlighted the importance of understanding the real harm caused to victims, even if the offender’s actions did not involve direct contact.

In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Lamb acknowledged that the number of images Rae possessed was “relatively small in the scale of things” and took into account Rae’s early guilty plea, which contributed to a more lenient sentence. As part of his punishment, Rae was ordered to complete a three-year community order with supervision requirements. He was also mandated to participate in a sex offenders’ programme and to register as a sex offender for a period of five years.

Furthermore, Rae was issued a five-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from using any device capable of accessing the internet unless it is fitted with a recording device. This measure aims to prevent further access to illegal material. Additionally, Rae was ordered to pay costs amounting to £500 and a surcharge of £60. The court’s decision reflects a serious stance on the possession and viewing of child abuse images, emphasizing rehabilitation and monitoring over imprisonment in this case.