[A] CARLISLE man who downloaded indecent images of children during a period spanning eight years has been sentenced.
David Halliburton, 59, was caught out as he prepared to move indefinitely from his city home to the Philippines. Halliburton let a friend take on his vehicle, and keep a laptop and computer hard drive which were inside. But when the shocked pal found indecent images of children he alerted police.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Halliburton was apprehended at a Manchester Airport flight gate as he attempted to complete his move to South East Asia. He admitted downloading indecent images of children – including scores classed in category A, the most serious – between July, 2011, and March this year.
Halliburton, of Lightfoot Drive, Carlisle, claimed he got no sexual gratification from the illegal material – some featuring boys as young as seven. His lawyer claimed that while prison would punish the defendant, “a suspended sentence would be more effective”.
Recorder Julie Clemitson suspended an eight-month jail term for 18 months. She ordered Halliburton to complete rehabilitation and a four-month night-time curfew.
He must also sign the sex offenders’ register, and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order, for 10 years.
