MICHAEL HUNT FROM ASHINGTON CAUGHT VIEWING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN NORTHUMBERLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ashington, Michael Hunt, a 47-year-old man with a long-standing history as a swimming coach, was found guilty of possessing and viewing indecent images of children. Hunt, who has been a registered coach for over a decade in Northumberland, was caught in June of the previous year engaging in illegal online activities while ostensibly working with young swimmers.

Hunt’s misconduct came to light when a computer used in his role as an administration manager at Cortech Fire and Security, a firm based in Ashington, was sent for repair. During the process, the company's managing director became suspicious after discovering child pornography images stored on the device. To confirm his suspicions, the director secretly installed a video recording system on the new computer, which captured Hunt browsing adult websites during working hours. This covert operation provided concrete evidence of Hunt’s inappropriate online behavior.

Subsequently, police investigations led to the seizure of two password-protected compact discs from Hunt’s residence on Ravens Hill Drive, Ashington. These discs contained a total of 101 saved images of indecent material involving children. Further inquiries revealed that Hunt had viewed a significantly larger number of images online, estimated to be three times the number stored on the discs. The offences date back to 2002, indicating a pattern of illegal activity spanning several years.

At Bedlington Magistrates’ Court, Hunt faced charges related to the possession of indecent images of children. He admitted to four counts of such possession but avoided a custodial sentence. Instead, he was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes supervision and participation in the national sex offender work programme. Additionally, Hunt was ordered to pay costs amounting to £80. To protect the community, he was issued an eight-year Sexual Offences Protection Order, which prohibits him from being alone with or communicating with anyone under the age of 18 unless there is a valid reason.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Hunt had voluntarily resigned from his position as a swimming coach and is currently unemployed due to the fallout from his offences. Prosecutor Cuthbert Regan stated that after his arrest, Hunt initially claimed that he had accessed the child pornography sites accidentally. He later claimed curiosity was the motive, asserting that he had not downloaded any images and found the material repulsive.

Defense lawyer Nick O’Mara emphasized the damage Hunt’s actions had inflicted on his personal life and reputation. Despite the allegations, Hunt’s marriage of 27 years remains intact, with his wife and children standing by him. However, he has lost two jobs because of the scandal and is now unemployed. O’Mara also pointed out that the images Hunt viewed were classified as the lowest category of child pornography, consisting mainly of photographs of naked boys and girls aged five to 14 in non-sexualized, erotic poses.

He further explained that Hunt was drawn into viewing these images out of curiosity, emphasizing that he does not believe Hunt has paedophile tendencies. Hunt himself expressed remorse, stating that he found himself unable to continue his role as a swimming coach, even though he maintains he has no sexual interest in children. The court’s ruling reflects the seriousness of his offences and aims to prevent any future risk to young people in the community.