ARRAN CROSSLING FROM FENHAM CAUGHT WITH BOYS' UNDERWEAR AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY IN NEWCASTLE

In February 2021, authorities uncovered disturbing evidence at the residence of Arran Crossling, a resident of Fenham, Newcastle, revealing a troubling pattern of behavior linked to his previous convictions for possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography. The investigation was prompted by concerns over his online activities and the possession of illicit materials.

Crossling, who was under strict legal restrictions following his earlier sentencing, was required to register any devices capable of internet access with the police. However, during a routine check in August of the previous year, officers discovered that he had concealed a mobile phone. When asked to present his devices, Crossling offered a phone that was incapable of connecting to the internet, containing only two messages—one to a police officer and another to a probation officer. When questioned about his communication methods during the COVID-19 lockdown, he claimed to have used WhatsApp via his mother’s phone, which he had access to.

Further police observations noted that Crossling had been involved in repairing fruit machines, a hobby he explained involved purchasing parts and selling items on eBay. The officers decided to arrest him based on suspicions stemming from his online searches and previous offenses. During a search of his home, they found a bag containing another phone that was connected to the internet, which he had not disclosed.

In the process of searching his room, officers located a safe hidden under his bed. The key to the safe was found concealed inside a sock. Upon opening the safe, they discovered a collection of male children’s underwear, many of which were soiled. This discovery was particularly alarming given Crossling’s history and the nature of his previous convictions.

Further examination of his phone revealed searches related to extreme pornography, including material involving animals, which he had been convicted of previously. Additionally, there was evidence indicating he had been searching for boys’ underwear online, suggesting ongoing inappropriate interests.

Crossling, aged 47 and residing on Silver Lonnen in Fenham, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to four counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order. His actions and possession of illicit materials prompted a serious judicial response.

During the court hearing, Judge Amanda Rippon addressed Crossling directly, stating, “When you have something and hide it, there’s only one reason—you were looking at images of extreme pornography and the underpants of boys.” She emphasized that although his current order did not explicitly prohibit viewing boys’ underwear online, such behavior was highly suspicious and unwise.

Judge Rippon acknowledged that Crossling had shown some progress over the past six months and assessed him as posing a low risk of contact offenses. Nevertheless, she issued a stern warning, stating, “This is not going to be repeated, it’s just not. Breaches of your sexual harm prevention order are reserved to me until 2029. If you dare to come back before me, you better bring a large suitcase for a long stay in HMP Durham. You really don’t want to see me again.”

She also clarified that Crossling could legally use a phone and access the internet for lawful purposes but cautioned him against viewing boys’ underwear online, as such actions would raise alarms. As part of his sentence, he was given a 12-month suspended prison term for two years, with a three-month tagged curfew. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in a sex offender group work program and to register on the sex offenders register, underscoring the seriousness of his violations and the ongoing monitoring of his behavior.