LOCKERBIE COUPLE MARK AND WENDY MASON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD AND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY

A disturbing case involving a couple from Lockerbie has come to light, revealing their possession of an extensive and deeply disturbing collection of illegal images. The images included graphic content depicting sexual acts involving human corpses and animals, a revelation that has shocked the local community and the wider public alike.

Mark Mason, aged 51, and his wife Wendy Mason, aged 53, appeared before Dumfries Sheriff Court to face charges related to their possession and distribution of extreme pornography and indecent images. Both individuals admitted to hoarding a large stash of illicit material at their residence in Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, during the period from February 2021 to April 2022.

The court proceedings revealed the gravity of their offenses, with Mark Mason specifically pleading guilty to possessing extreme pornography, indecent images of children, and attempting to communicate indecently with six children. These children, however, were not real minors but undercover adult operatives working to trap online predators. His wife, Wendy Mason, also confessed to possessing and sharing indecent photographs of children, alongside her involvement with extreme pornography.

In sentencing, Sheriff McCallum expressed profound shock at the nature of the crimes. He stated, "In 34 years of involvement in the criminal justice system, I have never encountered a case like this where a person was found possessing images of individuals engaging in sexual acts with human corpses, as in Mr. Mason's case. It almost beggars belief that anyone would derive sexual gratification from such material."

Addressing Wendy Mason directly, the sheriff remarked, "While it is suggested that you committed these heinous crimes to please your husband, the evidence shows that these acts were not impulsive but required planning and effort. You clearly chose to engage in such activities."

Mark Mason was sentenced to 34 months in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. His wife received a community order, which includes 300 hours of unpaid work, nine months of electronic tagging, and three years of supervision. Additionally, she will be on the sex offenders' register for five years and subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

Sheriff McCallum emphasized the unprecedented nature of the case, stating, "In my 34 years of legal experience, I have never encountered a case involving possession of images of sexual acts with human corpses. Such material is almost beyond belief, and it is crucial that the courts send a strong message that such conduct will be met with severe punishment."

The judge further explained that the sentences for each charge would run concurrently, resulting in a total imprisonment period of 34 months, starting from July 15, 2024, when the couple was remanded into custody. He clarified that due to legal restrictions, the maximum sentence for the charge involving images of sexual activity with human corpses is three years.

In addition to the custodial sentence, both Mark and Wendy Mason will be subject to the Notification Requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a period of five years. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years, aimed at preventing any future offending and protecting the community.

Throughout the proceedings, the court highlighted the serious nature of the offenses involving children and animals. The Masons' actions were described as deliberate, requiring planning and effort, and not impulsive acts. The court underscored the importance of deterrence, public protection, and the need to uphold societal standards of decency in delivering justice.

In conclusion, the case serves as a stark reminder of the depths of depravity that can be uncovered and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial oversight in addressing such heinous crimes. The community of Lockerbie and the wider public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to child exploitation or animal abuse to authorities.