NATHAN REID

NORTH YORKSHIRE MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND ONLINE GROOMING

A blind North Yorkshire paedophile who had horrific child abuse images on his computer was caught after trying to meet an underage "girl".

In September 2018, Nathan Reid, 44, messaged a 14-year-old girl from Yarm online without realizing that the profile was fake.

The person behind the account was actually an adult man, who was part of a sting to catch paedophiles, according to TeessideLive.

Reid appeared before Teesside Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children, including the most serious Category A images, as well as Category B and C.

He also admitted two counts of distributing indecent images, attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, and possession of extreme pornography.

Reid was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, with supervision, 50 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and was ordered to abide by a sexual harm prevention order and sexual offender notification requirements for 10 years.

The court heard that Reid asked the girl for a picture of her breasts, posed other intimate questions, and sent a picture of his penis.

The prosecution stated that chat threads on Reid’s phone revealed he had a sexual interest in children under 15.

An examination of his computer uncovered indecent images, including one of a man raping a baby, as well as extreme animal pornography.

The judge emphasized that the image of the baby being raped required an immediate custodial sentence, and initially indicated he should face three to four years.

However, because of Reid’s health issues, including his recent registration as blind and needing dialysis, the court suspended the sentence.

Reid was also ordered to be supervised for two years and complete 50 days of rehabilitation activities.

The judge warned Reid that any breach of his probation would activate the prison term.

Reid’s solicitor mentioned his health conditions would make reoffending more difficult, but the court underscored the seriousness of his actions and the protection of children.

The sentencing emphasized that children are entitled to protection from individuals with clear sexual interests in them, and Reid's offences were considered extremely serious.