SOUTHPORT PAEDOPHILE JAMIE MARTIN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT

In September 2021, Judge Brian Cummings, QC, delivered a stern verdict in the case of Jamie Martin, a Southport resident, who was found guilty of possessing a disturbing collection of indecent images and extreme pornography. The judge emphasized the severity of the case, citing 'extensive' aggravating features that warranted a starting point of two and a half years in prison according to sentencing guidelines.

After considering Martin’s early guilty pleas, which earned him a one-third reduction, the judge ultimately sentenced him to 20 months behind bars. Despite contemplating whether the sentence could be suspended, Judge Cummings concluded that, given the potential risk Martin posed to the public and the nature of his offenses, immediate incarceration was the only appropriate course of action. The court also mandated that Martin register as a sex offender and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely, underscoring the ongoing concern for public safety.

Earlier, in August 2021, Martin’s heinous collection of illicit material came to light during court proceedings. It was revealed that over a period of six years, Martin amassed a total of 129 indecent images depicting young victims, including videos of child abuse. The images were categorized into three levels of severity: 22 Category A images, which are the most serious and involve child rape, with nine of these being videos; 13 Category B images, with four videos; and 90 Category C images, nine of which were videos. The court was told that the Category A files represented the uppermost tier of child sex abuse imagery, carrying a starting point of 12 months in prison under sentencing guidelines.

Prosecutor Nardeen Nemat detailed that among the Category A images, nine were videos, highlighting the gravity of the material. The case also involved the possession of extreme pornography, specifically an image depicting a person engaging in sexual acts with a dead dog, which the court described as 'grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character.'

Martin, aged 34 and residing on Eastbank Street in Southport, admitted to three counts of downloading indecent images of children, one count of possessing such images, and additional charges related to prohibited and extreme pornography. The court heard that he had been actively involved in sharing these images within a network, which was considered an aggravating factor. His possession of the files spanned from January 14, 2014, to May 12, 2020, further emphasizing the prolonged period of offending.

During the proceedings, Martin, who had no prior convictions, appeared unrepresented after his case was adjourned earlier in the summer to allow him to secure legal counsel. He explained to the court that he had been refused legal aid and could not afford a solicitor or barrister. When asked about the possibility of using the 'direct access scheme,' he was unaware of it. The judge stressed the seriousness of the case and the importance of legal representation, noting that the offenses crossed the custody threshold and that fairness required him to explore all options before proceeding with sentencing.

Later, Martin returned to court and reported that he had attempted to find legal representation by contacting local chambers but was told none were available that day. The sentencing was then adjourned until August 25, with Martin remanded on bail. He assured the court he would try to arrange legal counsel, stating, 'I work but I will get someone to cover my shift.' The judge warned him that failing to secure proper representation could result in the case proceeding to sentencing without a lawyer present, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing legal aid in the upcoming hearing.