ANDREW DIXON HORDEN INTERNET PERVERT SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN DURHAM

In May 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Andrew Dixon, a factory worker from Horden, who was found guilty of using social media platforms to distribute highly disturbing images of child abuse. Dixon, aged 41, exploited multiple Twitter accounts to spread these heinous images, amassing a following of over 300 users from around the globe. During proceedings at Durham Crown Court, it was revealed that Dixon openly expressed disturbing preferences, stating, “I like pre-teens and incest,” in messages directed at his followers.

Prosecutor Harry Hadfield detailed how Dixon created various accounts, often using derivatives of his own name. For instance, one account was named ‘andy1074b,’ a clear reference to his birth year, October 1974. These accounts were frequently re-established within hours of Twitter removing previous ones, demonstrating Dixon’s persistent attempts to evade platform bans. The court learned that Dixon routinely downloaded approximately a dozen indecent images, which he then reposted to his followers, thereby facilitating the sharing of these images on an international scale. His followers included individuals from the United States, Germany, the southern regions of England, and notably, one from the local area.

Authorities from Durham Police acted swiftly after receiving an urgent notification from the National Crime Agency regarding Dixon’s online activities. A raid was conducted at his residence on Edward Avenue in Horden, leading to his arrest. Dixon faced multiple charges, including 15 counts of distributing indecent images of children, one count of encouraging others to send him such images, and one count of possessing extreme pornography. These offenses spanned from August of the previous year through February of this year.

The court was informed that three of the images Dixon possessed were classified as Category A, the most severe level, including a disturbing image of a three-year-old girl on her hands and knees being sexually abused by an adult male. Additionally, twelve images fell into Category B, and 96 images were categorized as Category C. Among the extreme material was a pornographic image depicting a woman engaging in sexual acts with dogs.

During the hearing, Stephen Constantine, representing Dixon, offered mitigation, highlighting that his client had made early admissions and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Constantine emphasized Dixon’s acknowledgment of his issues and his willingness to seek help. He also pointed out Dixon’s employment history, noting that he was working on a contract for a local manufacturing company until April of the previous year, with another contract scheduled to commence on June 1. Constantine argued that if the sentence could be suspended, Dixon could take advantage of employment opportunities and community support to address his offending behavior.

However, Judge Christopher Prince was unequivocal in his sentencing, condemning Dixon’s actions and emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. He sentenced Dixon to two years in prison. The judge stated, “You say in the pre-sentence report you had a light bulb moment and are no longer sexually interested in children. I do not accept that. Offenses of this nature quite rightly cause grave concern among the public. The children in these images are victims every time they are abused to create an image, and they are victims again every time people like you view the image and share it with others. It has to be immediate custody, both to deter you, and to deter others tempted to do as you did.”

As part of his punishment, Dixon’s smartphone was confiscated and scheduled for destruction. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with children and restricts his internet usage. Furthermore, Dixon is required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.