MARK GREGG FROM PORTSMOUTH AND BASINGSTOKE CAUGHT WITH CHILD SEX IMAGES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Mark Gregg, a 21-year-old man with ties to both Basingstoke and Portsmouth, appeared before Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week to face serious charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse images. Gregg was brought to court from custody, where he had been held since his arrest, to admit to the possession of these illicit materials, which he had acquired while residing at an address in Rhu in August 2013.

During the court proceedings, Gregg explained to social workers that he initially believed the images involved children who were of an older age and that the victims did not appear to be forced or coerced. He stated, “I thought the children involved in the images were older and that it did not look to me that they looked forced.”

However, Sheriff Hendry, who presided over the case, interrupted Gregg’s explanation with a reminder of the law, emphasizing the fundamental principle that children cannot give consent to such acts. The sheriff clarified, “It is a matter of the law that children cannot consent.”

Gregg’s solicitor acknowledged that Gregg was aware of the presence of a victim in the images and recognized that a custodial sentence was a possible outcome for such charges. Despite this, Gregg’s time in custody was noted, with the court stating that the two months he had already spent was “substantial,” but not nearly as severe as the potential sentence he could face.

Sheriff Hendry described the seriousness of the charge, warning Gregg that if he was unaware of the gravity of his actions, it was concerning and could suggest a likelihood of reoffending. The sheriff expressed a cautious optimism, stating, “I am only just convinced there is an alternative,” referring to the possibility of a non-custodial sentence.

Ultimately, Gregg was sentenced to a community payback order for three years, which includes three years of supervision. As part of his sentence, he is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work within six months. Additionally, Gregg is prohibited from owning or using any devices capable of internet access, such as laptops, computers, or smartphones, to prevent further access to digital images of a similar nature.

Furthermore, Gregg was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of three years and fined £250 for breaching bail conditions. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation materials, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable victims and ensuring offenders are held accountable.