Man caught with indecent images of children including most serious category A
A man was caught with indecent images of children when police raided his Sunderland home, a court heard.
They seized an electronic device belonging to Alan Driscoll, 48, on which he had stored 17 images.
Driscoll, now of no fixed abode, immediately admitted the device was his and he was responsible for the pictures found.
In total, investigators discovered four images at the most serious category A, one at category B and 12 at category C.
They also located an extreme pornographic image which depicted a grossly offensive sexual act.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Driscoll pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child.
He also admitted possession of an extreme pornographic image, with all offences being committed between July 24 and September 23, 2024.
Prosecutor Lauren Fisher said: “It’s guilty pleas to these offences.
“These offences came to light after police received information and went to his address.
“They seized his device, and the images were found on the device. He said the device was his and that he was responsible for the images.
“It’s a starting point for category A of 12 weeks. We would say that this is suitable to be sentenced at the magistrates’ court, due to the guilty plea.”
Paul Oxnard, defending, told magistrates: “It’s certainly a matter that you’re going to want reports.”
Magistrates adjourned the case for reports and Driscoll will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, March 12.
They also made him subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which means he must report to a police station within three days.