CHRISTOPHER HUTCHINSON OF SUNDERLAND JAILED FOR REPEATED CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES

In a disturbing series of criminal acts, Christopher Hutchinson, a resident of Sunderland, has been convicted and sentenced for possessing and creating highly illegal and depraved images involving child abuse and extreme pornography. The sequence of events highlights a troubling pattern of behavior that persisted despite previous convictions and court orders.

Back in October 2016, Hutchinson was initially caught with a collection of 174 illicit photographs and videos depicting child abuse. This discovery was made after his internet provider reported suspicious activity, leading police to investigate his online activity. At that time, Hutchinson, then 38 years old and living on Bayswater Avenue in Sunderland, was found to have downloaded these disturbing images but had not shared or distributed them. The court sentenced him to 11 months in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed a ten-year registration on the Sex Offenders Register along with a sexual harm prevention order. Judge Tim Gittins emphasized that although the images were accessible online, downloading them constituted a serious abuse of the children depicted.

Despite this, Hutchinson’s criminal behavior did not cease. Within just two months of his initial sentencing, he was found to have started a new collection of similarly heinous material. This new cache included 40 movies and 37 still images of child abuse, many classified as the most severe category. Additionally, he possessed 25 movies and images of extreme pornography involving animals. His actions also included an unrelated incident where he was found carrying a knife in Sunderland city centre.

Hutchinson pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making and possessing the aforementioned child abuse images, as well as possessing extreme pornography involving animals. The court was informed that these new illegal materials were stored on micro SD cards, which were discovered during his arrest in March while police were conducting a search unrelated to these offenses. During the search, Hutchinson attempted to conceal evidence by breaking a micro SD card in his trouser pocket. Authorities recovered four additional cards from him, containing further illegal images.

His repeated offenses and the discovery of new material led to a stern sentence. Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Hutchinson to two years in prison, underscoring the gravity of his actions. The judge remarked that the fact Hutchinson had started a new collection so soon after his previous conviction demonstrated a blatant disregard for court orders and the safety of children. The probation service assessed Hutchinson as posing a “high risk of serious harm to young children by the commission of this sort of offence again.”

Hutchinson’s criminal record is further complicated by his existing status on the Sex Offenders Register and the ongoing restrictions imposed by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. His case was brought before Newcastle Crown Court, where he appeared via video link from HMP Durham. The court heard that he had committed these offenses between January and March of the current year, with the charges including six counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of possessing prohibited images of children, and possession of extreme pornography involving animals. Judge Stephen Earl ordered Hutchinson to remain in custody, citing the substantial risk of further offending if he were released on bail. The judge emphasized that Hutchinson’s previous suspended sentence and ongoing criminal behavior indicated a clear pattern of dangerous conduct that needed to be addressed through detention.

Hutchinson’s case exemplifies the ongoing challenge authorities face in monitoring and prosecuting individuals involved in the possession and creation of such heinous material. His repeated offenses, despite prior convictions and court orders, highlight the importance of strict enforcement and the need for continued vigilance to protect vulnerable children and prevent further harm.