PAUL FOXTON IN THORNABY AVOIDS PRISON AFTER IMAGE OFFENCES IN TEESSIDE

PAUL FOXTON IN THORNABY AVOIDS PRISON AFTER IMAGE OFFENCES IN TEESSIDE

A man accused of uploading an indecent image of a child via Facebook Messenger has avoided jail time.

When police raided 60-year-old Paul Foxton's home, they discovered over 300 illegal images depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Teesside Crown Court was told that Foxton's social media account was reported to Cleveland Police in January of the previous year.

Officers visited his Thornaby residence a few weeks later in March.

During the search, police found 27 images classified as category A—representing the most severe abuse cases—alongside 32 category B images and 251 videos and images categorized as C on Foxton's Samsung phone and two tablets.

Foxton, of Elden Walk in Thornaby, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.

Prosecutor Ellen Wright described that some of the images depicted very young children in sexual activity, including one child in a high chair.

The videos showed children experiencing apparent pain and distress.

Forensic analysis revealed a systematic search history focused on the most serious images of child abuse and familial sexual abuse.

During police interviews, Foxton claimed he did not ‘much like’ the illegal material and characterized his interest as curiosity.

Defense lawyer John Wood acknowledged that Foxton admitted to having an element of sexual interest in the illegal content and explained that his client suffers from a brain injury, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Foxton's separation from his wife and the isolating effects of lockdown were also noted.

His son was present in the courtroom, visibly distressed, sitting with his head in his hands as the hearing took place.

Judge Christopher Smith addressed Foxton directly, stating, “At the end of the camera there is a child being sexually abused— which can have a life-changing effect on them.

After some probing from the probation service, you admitted to having a sexual interest in prepubescent children.” The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense but indicated his belief that Foxton has scope for rehabilitation, saying, “This offending is serious but in your case I’m entirely satisfied that this indicates a good chance of rehabilitation.” Foxton was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to complete 40 rehabilitation sessions, placed under a curfew from 8 p.m.

to 7 a.m.

monitored electronically, registered as a sex offender for 10 years, and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order to allow police to monitor his online activity.