LAURENCE ROBSON FROM GRANGETOWN SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE COLLECTION IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has shocked the local community, Laurence Robson, a resident of Grangetown, faced the consequences of his involvement in possessing a vast collection of child abuse images. The incident came to light after police executed a raid on his home in December, uncovering more than 2,000 indecent images of children, some classified at the most severe level of abuse. The authorities found that Robson, aged 59, also possessed videos depicting child pornography, along with an extreme image showing a woman engaged in sexual activity with an animal.

During the court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, prosecutor Harry Hadfield detailed the extent of Robson’s illegal collection. He stated that Robson admitted during police interviews that he had been accessing online child abuse material for some time. Mr. Hadfield emphasized that Robson’s involvement began during his career as a local DJ, which he had previously worked in the Grangetown area. The prosecutor highlighted the disturbing nature of the collection, noting that it included both still images and videos, with victims of varying ages and levels of vulnerability. The images depicted children in distress, and the collection contained a total of 72 images at the most serious Level A, including one video, along with 52 images at Level B, which included two videos, and a staggering 2,048 images at Level C, with eight videos.

Robson pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs of children and one charge of possessing extreme pornography. The court was informed that he had at his disposal a significant number of illicit images, with the most serious category comprising 72 images and one video. The judge ordered the destruction of Robson’s electronic devices, including his laptop, desktop computer, and a hard drive, to prevent further access to such material. Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, which bans Robson from accessing the internet and having contact with children indefinitely.

Representing Robson, defense lawyer John Nixon, explained that his client was currently unemployed. He added that during police interviews, Robson claimed the images were “normal images that people get when they are sick in the head.” Mr. Nixon also conveyed that Robson was remorseful and ashamed of his actions, especially after the end of his 22-year relationship. The lawyer noted that Robson now lives alone and expressed concern about the impact of the case on his personal life.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, addressed Robson directly in court. He remarked that Robson’s shame was evident, but emphasized that the act itself was wicked. The judge explained the gravity of the offense, stating, “You may well hang your head in shame before me as you did with the probation officer during your pre-sentence report interview. It is not a shameful act that you did, it is a wicked act.” He further described the nature of the images, noting that they involved children as young as nine, who were being forced to perform sexual acts. The court highlighted the existence of a market for such images, which fuels the demand and perpetuates the exploitation of vulnerable victims.

Judge Bourne-Arton also pointed out Robson’s previous convictions, which did not involve sexual offenses but nonetheless contributed to the court’s decision. As a consequence of his actions, Robson’s personal relationships have suffered; his partnership has ended, his family has distanced themselves, and he has lost his employment. The court sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to undergo 30 days of rehabilitation. Furthermore, Robson was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from potential harm.