MARK FARRAR FROM LIVERSEDGE CAUGHT WITH SADISTIC CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES IN WEST YORKSHIRE

In November 2019, authorities in West Yorkshire uncovered deeply disturbing evidence of child exploitation when they arrested Mark Farrar at his residence in Liversedge. During the arrest, police recovered a mobile phone from Farrar, which, upon detailed examination, revealed a collection of graphic and sadistic images depicting the sexual abuse of children. The investigation was initiated after authorities received credible information suggesting that illegal images were being accessed and possibly shared from Farrar's property in Liversedge.

When questioned, Farrar handed over his mobile device to the officers, who then conducted a thorough search of the device. The forensic analysis uncovered a disturbing cache of images, including photographs of babies and young children being subjected to sexual abuse. The images were not only graphic but also included material involving the sexual abuse of animals, adding an even more heinous dimension to the case. These images were primarily accessed via the Kik messenger app, which is often used for private messaging and sharing content.

In total, 16 images classified as Category A—indicating the most severe level of offending—were recovered. Additionally, 29 images fell into Category B, and 79 were categorized as Category C, reflecting varying degrees of severity. The investigation revealed that Farrar, a retail manager by profession, had been viewing and accessing these illicit images over a period of approximately four months leading up to his arrest in October 2017.

At Leeds Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Stephanie Hancock, outlined the gravity of the case. Farrar, aged 43 and residing on Darley Road in Liversedge, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of making indecent images of a child, possession of a prohibited image of a child, and two counts of possessing extreme pornography. His guilty plea was entered early in the proceedings, and it was noted that he had no prior criminal record.

During mitigation, Geraldine Kelly emphasized that Farrar had no previous convictions and expressed that he was remorseful for his actions. She also highlighted that Farrar was now registered as a sex offender and continued to receive support from his wife, indicating some level of ongoing rehabilitation.

Judge Geoffrey Marson, QC, delivered the sentence, describing the images as 'vile' and emphasizing the suffering inflicted upon the children depicted. The judge stated, “Young children, in pain, suffering the most disgraceful abuse. It is impossible to understand why anyone should have the slightest interest in images such as these. In your way, by viewing these images, you add to their pain and misery.”

While acknowledging that Farrar’s possession of the images was over a limited period and that he appeared genuinely remorseful, the judge rejected his claim of lacking sexual interest in children. The judge remarked, “There is no other explanation for viewing these images.”

Farrar was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing his offending behavior. The judge noted that, given Farrar’s lack of prior convictions and the fact that the arrest occurred two years prior, he did not pose an ongoing risk of contact offenses with children. The court emphasized that if there had been any indication of such a risk, immediate custody would have been imposed.