MARK HORTON FROM HERMAGE TO FACE JUSTICE OVER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CHARGES IN READING

In September 2018, a man from Hermitage, identified as 57-year-old Mark Horton, faced serious allegations related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The case was brought before Reading Magistrates’ Court, where Horton appeared on Wednesday, August 8, to answer to multiple charges.

Horton, a local businessman residing on the high street of Hermitage, admitted to four separate counts involving the possession and creation of indecent images. These charges included making a total of 1,067 indecent photographs classified as Category C, which is considered less severe but still serious. Additionally, he admitted to producing 17 images categorized as Category B, which indicates a higher level of severity, and 11 images of the most extreme kind, classified as Category A. Furthermore, he was charged with possessing four prohibited images of a child, which are images that are illegal to possess under current laws.

The offences spanned a period from October 13, 2016, to October 17 of the following year, indicating a sustained period of alleged illegal activity. Given the gravity of the charges, the magistrates informed Horton that the case was too serious to be dealt with at that level and that it must be transferred to a crown court for sentencing. Consequently, he was committed to Reading Crown Court, where a judge will determine the appropriate punishment at a later date.

Meanwhile, Mark Horton was released on unconditional bail, allowing him to remain free until his sentencing hearing. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of illegal images of children, emphasizing the severity with which such offences are treated under the law.