TAMHID QURESHI'S SEAHAM CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL: NEARLY ESCAPES IMPRISONMENT

In July 2022, Tahmid Qureshi, a resident of Seaham, was found to have engaged in the possession and distribution of a significant amount of child sexual abuse material. The investigation revealed that Qureshi had downloaded and systematically stored over 2,000 images and videos depicting children subjected to sexual abuse by adults. These materials were acquired from online platforms and stored across multiple devices, highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior.

Authorities acted on intelligence that led them to seize several electronic devices from Qureshi’s residence on Alexandrina Street, Seaham, on March 8 of the previous year. The devices included a memory card, a mobile phone, and a tablet computer, all recovered from his bedroom. During subsequent interviews, Qureshi admitted to possessing a large collection of such images, some of which he had shared with other individuals who shared his interest in this illicit material.

He explained that he had downloaded images onto his phone, transferred them onto a memory card, and then deleted the files from his phone to conceal his activity. Qureshi further disclosed that he obtained these images through messaging platforms such as Kik and Telegram, claiming to have thousands of still images and videos, which he believed depicted girls aged 12 and above. When questioned about sharing these images, he stated that he had not uploaded links to the internet but had shared individual images with a few acquaintances, none of whom he knew personally.

Prosecutor Anne Richardson noted that the Crown considered charging Qureshi with distribution of the images. However, after a detailed forensic examination of his devices, no evidence was found to support this allegation, leading to the decision not to pursue a distribution charge. The forensic analysis revealed a total of 2,001 images and videos classified as indecent, including 525 still images and 66 videos in the most severe category. Additionally, one prohibited cartoon image was discovered on the memory card.

Miss Richardson highlighted that the memory card used to transfer images to other devices might have been wiped clean, possibly in preparation for further sharing. The case was further aggravated by the large volume of material, the age and vulnerability of the children depicted—some visibly distressed or in pain—and the systematic manner in which the images were stored and organized.

Qureshi, aged 25 and with no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and possessing a prohibited image. Judge James Adkin addressed him directly, stating, “You have been a collector of images of real children being sexually abused.” The judge emphasized that such behavior fuels a market that encourages further abuse and exploitation of children.

Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Adkin acknowledged Qureshi’s previous good character, remorse, and apparent motivation to change. As a result, he sentenced Qureshi to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. During this period, Qureshi is required to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, attend probation-led rehabilitation sessions, and participate in an accredited sex offender treatment program.

Furthermore, Qureshi was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his future internet use, and mandated to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The judge remarked that Qureshi narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment “by a hair’s breadth,” warning that any future violations or failure to comply with the court’s orders could result in incarceration.