MARK BRANSON CAUGHT IN CLIFTON INTERNET SCAM INVOLVING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In September 2017, authorities uncovered a disturbing case involving Mark Branson, a resident of Clifton, who exploited a neighbor's broadband connection to bypass a court-imposed restriction and access illegal child abuse images once again.

The incident came to light when police officers responded to reports of an indecent image being downloaded from the internet in the Clifton area. Upon investigation, they discovered that the homeowners, who had sold an iPad to Branson for just £20, had provided him with access to their broadband service. The homeowners claimed they had no knowledge of Branson's activities and denied visiting any chat sites related to such content.

Further inquiries revealed that Branson, aged 38, had previously been convicted in 2011 for offenses involving indecent images of children. As part of his sentence, he was subjected to a three-year prison term and was explicitly prohibited from using the internet to prevent further offending. Despite this, Branson managed to circumvent the restriction by obtaining internet access through a neighbor's broadband connection, which was facilitated by the sale of the iPad.

When police visited Branson's residence, they found that he possessed three tablets capable of internet access. Branson admitted that he had destroyed the iPad about a week prior to the police visit, but no computer equipment was recovered during the search. His actions prompted immediate arrest, and he was subsequently charged with breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

At Nottingham Crown Court, Judge James Sampson sentenced Branson to six months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the breach. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting that suspicion had been cast on the innocent homeowners, which he described as an aggravating factor. Judge Sampson also reminded Branson that the internet ban imposed after his previous conviction remained in effect, and his attempt to access the internet through a neighbor was a clear violation of that order.

Samuel Coe, the prosecutor, highlighted that police had acted swiftly upon discovering the illegal download, and the case underscored the ongoing risks posed by individuals like Branson who attempt to evade legal restrictions through indirect means. The court's decision reinforced the importance of strict enforcement of such orders to protect vulnerable children from harm.