[A] MAN who distributed indecent images of children to others has been spared prison after a judge concluded his treatment in the community would better protect youngsters in the future.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how illegal images of children aged from 12 years down to just two were found on devices belonging to 33-year-old city man Neil Monkhouse.
Police discovered that, between July 4 and 11 last year, Monkhouse had made 28 child porn pictures and passed on 39. Officers also found five cannabis plants growing at his house.
Monkhouse, of Hallin Crescent, Carlisle, was sentenced today (FRI) having admitted nine charges, including the making and distribution of indecent photographs of children, and cannabis production.
Wheelchair-using Monkhouse was said by his lawyer to have “sought comfort and solace online” amid the loss of his job, independence and a previous relationship. His thinking at the time had been “utterly distorted and warped”.
Judge Peter Hughes QC told Monkhouse his crimes were “appalling”, and said he “richly deserved” a prison sentence.
But Judge Hughes concluded that the specialist help needed by the defendant would not be available in custody. Instead the judge imposed a three-year community order comprising rehabilitation and attendance on a sex offender treatment course.
Monkhouse was also made subject to the strict terms of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and told he would be automatically barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.