SIMONSIDE MAN CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
Sean Sharman, 32, of Monkton Avenue in Simonside, engaged in an online exchange with what he believed was a 14-year-old boy.Prosecutor Clare Haswell stated that Sharman replied affirmatively when informed of his supposed age and expressed an interest in meeting face-to-face.
In reality, he was communicating with an undercover police officer from October 14 to October 28 last year.
Police traced the online chats to his residence, where several electronic devices were seized and later examined.
These devices contained multiple indecent images and videos.
It was revealed that Sharman possessed 336 images and videos in the most severe category A, with 33 shared at this level.
There were also 269 images and videos in category B, with 25 distributed, and 138 at category C, with eight shared.
Ms.
Haswell conveyed that, although Sharman showed an intention to meet the decoy, the conversation eventually faded without any arrangements being finalized.
Sharman pleaded guilty to three counts of creating indecent images of a child and three counts of distributing such images.
He also admitted attempting to persuade a minor aged 13 to 15 to view sexual content and engaging in sexual communication with a child.
The offenses involving creating indecent images occurred between May 16 and November 19 last year, while distribution took place from December 26, 2023, to November 1 of the previous year.
The additional charges occurred between October 13 and October 29.
The court heard no comments from defense attorney David Forrester.
District Judge Zoe Passfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation, granted unconditional bail, and scheduled the sentencing for November 4 at Newcastle Crown Court, with the condition that Sharman comply with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 notification requirements.
The judge cautioned that due to the severity of the case, it was not suitable for a summary trial.
