CHRISTOPHER MAIN FROM NEWPORT ESCAPES JAIL AFTER POSSESSING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES
In April 2017, a man from Newport, Christopher Main, was handed a six-month prison sentence that was suspended for two years after admitting to possessing indecent images of children.Main, aged 47 and residing on Beechcroft Road in Newport, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images during a court hearing on March 7.
The case was brought before Newport Crown Court, where it was revealed that authorities had received a tip-off from a third party indicating that Main had been sharing these illicit images with others.
Acting on this information, police conducted a search of his residence on August 18, 2016.
During the search, officers discovered that Main’s laptop contained two videos—one classified as Category A and the other as Category B—along with four images categorized under Category C.
When questioned by the police, Main, described as a vulnerable adult, admitted that he had been viewing this material for approximately four years.
Prosecutor James Evans highlighted that there was evidence of Google searches related to the indecent material dating back as far as 2010.
Evans stated, “He fully accepted that the purpose [of downloading the images] was for sexual arousal.” Importantly, the court was informed that charges related to the distribution of these images were not pursued, and Main was sentenced solely for the possession of the images.
The prosecution also pointed out that Main’s actions showed a degree of sophistication, as evidence suggested he had used software capable of deleting or concealing the illicit material.
These technical aspects, along with the nature of the videos, were considered aggravating factors in the case.
Main, who works as a cleaner, has no prior criminal record.
Before sentencing, Judge Stephen Hopkins QC acknowledged that Main “possessed a lack of intellectual maturity,” but he condemned the actions as “troubling and repugnant.” The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “These disgusting images show abuse involving children and such abuse is something which the court will not tolerate.” Judge Hopkins also noted the support Main’s father provided and expressed concern over the emotional toll of the case.
As part of the sentence, a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) was imposed, which prohibits Main from living in the same house as any child under 16 and restricts his access to devices capable of browsing the internet unless his browsing history is visible.
Additionally, Main was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.
