SALFORD MAN MARK DOOGUE SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY INVOLVING CHILDREN IN PHUKET AND UK

In a case that highlights the disturbing reach of child exploitation, Mark Doogue, a 47-year-old resident of Salford, has been sentenced for a series of child pornography offences. The case drew particular attention due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent arrest.

During the Christmas period of 2004, Doogue's family was deeply concerned when he went missing. They believed he was on Phuket island in Thailand, especially after the devastating tsunami struck the region on Boxing Day. The family’s fears grew as days passed without any contact, prompting them to make public appeals for information about his whereabouts.

However, authorities later revealed that Doogue was not in Thailand at all. Instead, he was in the United Kingdom, in custody, after admitting to possessing a significant collection of child pornography. Police confirmed that he owned 137 images and video clips depicting children engaged in sexual activities. These materials involved minors ranging from as young as eight years old to early teenagers, highlighting the severity and depravity of his offences.

On the day of sentencing, Bolton Crown Court, sitting in Bury, heard that Doogue had also failed to surrender to bail on December 1. As a result, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The court was informed that Doogue has two adult sons, and his actions have caused considerable distress to his family and the wider community.

Judge Charles Bloom, presiding over the case, chose not to impose a custodial sentence, citing that Doogue had already served more than two months in custody while awaiting sentencing. Instead, he was given a two-year rehabilitation order, emphasizing the importance of treatment and monitoring in such cases. The judge described the images and videos as involving children from eight years old to their early teens, emphasizing the exploitation and degradation inherent in such material.

This case underscores the ongoing issues related to child exploitation and the importance of vigilance and law enforcement in tackling such heinous crimes, both locally and internationally.