ALAN PASSMORE CASE IN SUNDERLAND: SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING OVER 2,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES
A man identified as Alan Passmore, who was found with a disturbing collection of more than 2,000 child abuse images, has avoided prison time despite his offending.Police discovered the offensive material on a laptop and a computer tower seized from his home in Sunderland during a search on March 17, 2020.
Newcastle Crown Court was told that the images depicted children as young as five, some showing signs of distress.
Passmore, aged 50 and previously never convicted, admitted to three charges of possessing a total of 2,253 indecent images of children, categorized by severity.
He also admitted having 21 images and movies featuring extreme pornography, along with two banned images of children.
It was noted that over 300,000 other images were present on the devices but were not examined.
Defense lawyer Brian Hegarty explained, 'He accepts he has accessed this type of material for a number of years now.
It was a long established and unattractive habit.' He added that the police intervention was what was needed to 'jolt him out of a long established rut,' and Passmore had cooperated fully with authorities, acknowledging he needs to change.
The court heard that after his offending became known, Passmore’s home was targeted and his windows smashed.
Mr.
Hegarty said, 'He has had to move out of that address and also lost the job he had held down for 30 years, so his fall from grace is absolutely complete.' Judge Stephen Earl sentenced Passmore to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered him to undergo rehabilitation and follow program requirements, as well as pay £200 in costs.
Now without a fixed address, Passmore is required to register as a sex offender and adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
The judge emphasized that children featured in such images are 'severely victimized.' Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Stephen Gillibrand issued a stark warning: 'It is with thanks to the vigilance of our officers that Passmore will be strictly monitored under court order, and I hope this serves as a warning to others that downloading and sharing indecent material in any capacity is a crime.
You cannot hide behind a screen or fake profile; we will still find you.'
