RICHARD SAUNDERS FROM NORMANBY CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In March 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Richard Saunders, a resident of Normanby, who was found in possession of a significant collection of illegal child abuse images. The authorities conducted a thorough search of Saunders' home, which revealed a disturbing cache of indecent photographs stored on both a hard drive and a mobile phone. The forensic examination uncovered a total of 376 illicit images depicting children, including 17 classified at the most severe level under law. These images involved minors as young as six and nine years old and included 78 videos that collectively spanned approximately 25 hours of footage.

During the court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, prosecutor Harry Hadfield detailed the extent of Saunders' illegal activities. He emphasized that the images depicted a variety of victims, indicating multiple children involved in the material. Evidence also showed that Saunders had conducted online searches related to child abuse on another device, suggesting premeditation and intent.

Richard Saunders, aged 34 and residing on Hollywalk Avenue in Normanby, admitted to downloading these images from the internet, acknowledging that he was aware such actions were morally and legally wrong. He faced three charges of making indecent photographs of children, to which he pleaded guilty.

His defense attorney, Nigel Soppitt, expressed remorse on Saunders' behalf, describing him as deeply ashamed and full of contrition. Soppitt explained that Saunders was unable to fully explain his behavior, stating, “He simply doesn’t know why he’s delved into these shady excesses of the internet.” The lawyer also noted that Saunders had sought help for his issues.

In presenting a broader context of Saunders' personal struggles, Soppitt mentioned the recent death of Saunders' father and health problems, including episodes of collapse and verbal dyspraxia, which hindered his ability to communicate and understand others effectively.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, addressed the court with a cautious perspective. He stated, “Was I of the view that there was a risk of him carrying out his fantasies into reality, then he would be locked up immediately. But I’m not of that view.”

However, the judge made it clear that the crime was not without victims. “The victims are the young children who are forced into carrying out the acts that are portrayed in the photographs and videos,” he said. The judge also condemned the common misconception that offenders stumble upon such material accidentally, dismissing Saunders’ claim that he was searching for something else online and happened upon the illegal images as “a complete lie.”

Judge Bourne-Arton emphasized that Saunders was actively conducting specific searches for child pornography for his own sexual gratification, which posed a significant danger. He expressed concern that if Saunders were incarcerated, he would not receive the necessary help to address his underlying issues.

Considering Saunders’ age, his previously good character, and the fact that he had kept out of trouble since his arrest, the judge decided on a sentence of 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. As part of his sentence, Saunders was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be registered on the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing risk he poses.