JOSHUA MADDEN OF DONCASTER SENTENCED AFTER DOWNLOAD OF CHILD ABUSE IMAGES POST-CONVICTION
In February 2019, a man from Doncaster, Joshua Madden, received a suspended sentence after being found to have downloaded child abuse images just days following a prior conviction for similar offences.Madden, of Lime Tree Walk, Denaby Main, had previously admitted to downloading indecent images of children.
On November 11, 2017, he was sentenced to a three-year community order and served with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
However, Sheffield Crown Court later learned that Madden continued to access illicit material, downloading child abuse images up until November 18, 2017—a week after his sentencing.
This breach was uncovered three days later, on November 21, when police visited Madden's home following intelligence reports about his recent offending activity.
As part of the conditions of his SHPO, Madden was prohibited from owning any internet-enabled device capable of deleting browsing history.
During the police search, prosecutor Michael Tooley explained that police found the images on a mobile phone hidden in Madden’s sock.
Despite his efforts to permanently delete the files, forensic analysis revealed the images.
Madden told officers he had deleted his internet history during the search but did not mention downloading or possessing indecent images.
The analysis of Madden’s phone took five months.
During this period, he was sentenced to four months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for breaching his SHPO by deleting internet history.
The images retrieved included 10 Category A images—considered the most severe, depicting children being raped—along with 21 Category B and 44 Category C images, which involve less severe offences.
Judge Michael Slater noted the seriousness of the offences and sentenced Madden to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
Madden pleaded guilty to one count of making indecent images, a term that covers downloading, opening, and storing such content.
