PAUL SAXTON FROM RAWMARSH CAUGHT VIEWING CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In September 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving Paul Saxton, a 29-year-old resident of Rawmarsh, who was found to have accessed and viewed a significant number of child sexual abuse images. The incident came to light during a police raid on his home on Rockingham Road, where authorities uncovered evidence of his involvement in viewing highly illegal material.

During the operation, Saxton attempted to conceal his activities by discarding his mobile phone into his brother’s room as officers entered. Despite his efforts, the police retrieved the device and conducted a thorough examination. The investigation revealed that Saxton had downloaded and viewed over 200 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including distressing images of girls as young as six being raped. The images were classified into various categories, with 67 images falling under the most severe category A, indicating extreme content. Additionally, the device contained 90 images in category B and 43 in category C, along with two images classified as extreme pornography.

Further analysis of the phone showed that these images had been deleted, suggesting Saxton attempted to hide his activities. The police also found evidence of web searches that indicated a specific interest in young girls, adding to the severity of the case. The prosecution, led by Mr. Adam Walker, stated that police had received a tip-off about illegal activity at Saxton’s residence, which prompted the investigation. Witnesses confirmed that Saxton was seen trying to dispose of his phone during the raid, but the officers managed to recover it and establish its connection to the illegal content.

Throughout the investigation, Saxton maintained silence, refusing to comment both before and after the phone was examined. The court was informed that he was employed by his parents, who owned a pool and snooker business, and that he had the support of his family during the proceedings. Despite this, the court emphasized the gravity of his actions. Judge Graham Robinson addressed Saxton directly, stating that accessing child abuse images is not a victimless crime. He explained that each time such images are viewed, they remain circulating on the internet, perpetuating harm and trauma to the victims depicted, who are often children. The judge highlighted that as these images continue to circulate, the victims’ suffering persists, especially as they grow older and become aware of their images being shared.

Saxton pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and one count of possessing extreme pornography. In sentencing, he was given a two-year community order, which includes requirements to attend 43 days of group work sessions and 55 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years, underscoring the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.