CHRISTOPHER LONG CAUGHT IN THIRSK WITH OVER 300 INDECENT CHILD IMAGES ON HIS LAPTOP AND HARD DRIVE

In a disturbing case that unfolded in North Yorkshire, Christopher Long, a 60-year-old resident of Boltby near Thirsk, was found to have been engaging in illegal online activities involving indecent images of children. The incident came to light in November 2018 when police executed a search warrant at his home, uncovering a troubling collection of more than 300 illicit images stored on his laptop and external hard drive.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Long’s internet browsing history revealed he had accessed a Russian website from which he obtained some of these disturbing photographs. The images depicted young girls aged 12 and older, raising serious concerns about his intentions and the nature of his online activity.

When questioned by police, Long admitted to having a strong interest in pornography. However, he insisted that he was not sexually aroused by children. Instead, he claimed that his actions were driven by a desire for a 'cheap thrill' and that he found some satisfaction in possessing material that he knew was illegal and morally wrong. Long described his state of mind at the time as being under significant stress, referring to it as “the mad month,” which he said led him to seek out these illicit images.

Long faced multiple charges in court, including six counts of making indecent images of children and two counts of possessing prohibited images. The case was heard by Judge Stephen Ashurst, who sentenced him to a two-year community order. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “You knew this material was illegal, and acknowledge, as every right-thinking member of society does, that behind each of those images is a child who has been abused.”

Judge Ashurst also highlighted the importance of rehabilitation and future compliance with the law. He noted that the Probation Service assessed Long as being at a low risk of reoffending but stressed that the conviction and the publicity surrounding the case should serve as a stark reminder of the need for strict adherence to legal standards.

As part of his sentence, Long was ordered to participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and support to prevent any future offenses.