PETER KELSEY FROM HAWTHORN AND HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING SENTENCED FOR EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY AND CHILD OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Hawthorn and Houghton-le-Spring, Peter Kelsey, a man with no prior criminal record, was found guilty of serious offenses involving child exploitation and the distribution of extreme pornography. The incident came to light after Kelsey engaged in online communications with an undercover police officer, believing he was interacting with a woman who shared his perverse interests.

According to court reports, Kelsey sent explicit images, including one depicting bestiality, to the undercover officer, who was working for the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) department. The officer, posing as a woman, received these disturbing images as part of an investigation into online child exploitation. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Kelsey’s computer contained a total of 52 indecent images of children and 84 images featuring extreme pornography, highlighting the severity of his online activities.

Further complicating the case, Kelsey created a fictitious Facebook profile under the alias ‘Chris,’ claiming to be a boy aged between 13 and 15 years old. Prosecutors argued that Kelsey’s intent was to lure adult women interested in chatting with young boys, a tactic that underscores the malicious nature of his online behavior. Additionally, Kelsey engaged in conversations with a woman named ‘Elizabeth,’ during which he discussed bestiality and even arranged to meet her, further illustrating his disturbing interests.

Originally from Hawthorn, east Durham, Kelsey has since moved to Chapel Row, Philadelphia, near Houghton-le-Spring. During the trial, he admitted to 16 counts of making indecent images of a child, possession of such images, and distributing them, along with one count of possessing extreme pornography. The court also heard that Kelsey’s actions extended beyond online activity, with evidence indicating his involvement in chat rooms where he boasted about having sexual encounters with young children—claims that were later proven to be false.

Legal representatives for Kelsey, Tony Hawks, presented psychiatric and psychological reports to the court, emphasizing that Kelsey, aged 37, had an otherwise clean record and was genuinely remorseful. Mr. Hawks explained that Kelsey had struggled with his perversions for many years and had sought treatment at his own expense, which demonstrated his willingness to address his issues. He also noted that Kelsey’s offending had resulted in the breakdown of his marriage.

In sentencing, Judge Christopher Prince emphasized that the primary goal was to protect the public from further harm. He warned Kelsey that any further offenses would likely result in a significant custodial sentence. As part of his punishment, Kelsey was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes probation supervision and participation in sex offender group work. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual offences protection order with no specified limit and is required to register as a sex offender for five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and compliance with legal restrictions.