RICHARD BROUGHTON SPARED JAIL IN SPENNYMOOR CHILD IMAGE CASE

In a case that has shocked the community of Spennymoor, County Durham, Richard Broughton, a 40-year-old man from Keldmere, narrowly avoided imprisonment after admitting to possessing indecent images of children. The incident came to light when police seized Broughton’s laptop, revealing a disturbing collection of prohibited images spanning from 2011 to 2016.

During a hearing at Durham Crown Court on July 1, it was disclosed that forensic analysis of Broughton’s device uncovered five photographs depicting extreme pornography, alongside 55 indecent images of minors. The investigation further revealed that Broughton was an active member of an online sharing platform, where he not only uploaded offensive messages but also created a female profile. This profile was used to engage in conversations that involved discussions about child abuse, raising serious concerns about his intentions and actions.

Throughout the court proceedings, Broughton, who has no prior criminal record, claimed that he was not fully in control of his actions at the time. He described the conversations and his involvement as a “blur and dream,” suggesting a lack of clear memory or awareness of his conduct. The court heard that Broughton’s personal life had been significantly affected by his actions; he has lost his job and his marriage, and he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, which he attributes to his previous work as a fireman and paramedic.

In sentencing, Broughton was given a ten-month custodial sentence for the possession of indecent images of children, which was ordered to run concurrently with two other sentences—six months each—for the possession of extreme pornography and prohibited images. However, the court suspended the entire sentence for a period of two years, allowing Broughton to avoid immediate imprisonment under certain conditions.

Judge Simon Hickey explained the decision, stating, “I suspend the sentence because you are entitled for once, and only once, to draw on your good character.” Despite the suspended sentence, Broughton was also subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his future conduct and protect the community from potential harm.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding online child exploitation and the importance of rigorous law enforcement and judicial oversight in addressing such serious offenses in communities like Spennymoor.