Police raid uncovers almost 22,000 indecent images of children from computer equipment at man's home

A pervert caught with a sickening stash of almost 22,000 child abuse images has been put behind bars.
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Police seized computer devices when they raided Steven Humphrey's home in Hetton, with a warrant in February 2019.

Newcastle Crown Court heard a total of 21,966 images featuring children were recovered from the equipment.

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The pictures and movies that were found included seven category A, which is the most serious, 161 category B and 21,798 category C.

The case was heard at Newcastle Crown CourtThe case was heard at Newcastle Crown Court
The case was heard at Newcastle Crown Court

Prosecutor Jonathan Gittins told the court a further 2,287,749 images were found on the devices but were not categorised and Humphrey faced no charges in relation to them.

Humphrey, 60, now of no fixed address, admitted three charges of making indecent photographs of children.

Judge Tim Gittins sentenced him to eight months behind bars.

Humphrey must sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for seven years.

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Judge Gittins told him: "The young children depicted have to go through life knowing people like you are gaining access to their worst moments."

Sam Faulks, defending, said Humphrey did not use chat rooms, connect with people online or swap any such images.

Mr Faulks added: "Because of publicity he has moved way from the Sunderland area."

Mr Faulks said Humphrey, who is assessed to pose a "low risk" of re-offending and has already sought help, has been "cut off" from friends and family as a result of the move.

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