MAHER AL-SHRIDA SENTENCED IN HULL FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES
Maher Al-Shrida, a 54-year-old from Beverley Road, Hull, has been convicted of multiple child pornography offenses at Hull Crown Court.Al-Shrida, an Iraqi national who arrived in the UK in 2003 and had been a British citizen for ten years, admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children, two counts of distributing such images, and one count of possessing extreme pornography, all committed between January 28 and July 1, 2020.
During the hearing, Al-Shrida attempted to justify his actions, claiming that he had been "unlucky" and that the videos were sent to him by friends.
He stated, "My friends sent them to me.
I did receive pornographic materials but I did not know that some of them were of children." He explained that he received batches of 30 to 80 videos via WhatsApp groups and had forwarded some without realizing their content, saying, "Other videos were sent by mistake.
They were part of a big group which I forwarded.
I wasn't aware some of the videos were of children." Al-Shrida explained that on one occasion, a friend specifically requested a video of children, which he then searched for and sent.
He expressed remorse, saying, "This was wrong and I am stupid to do such a thing.
I regret what I have done and I have already paid the price.
My wife has lost her pregnancy.
I was unlucky.
It's just me being unlucky.
Had I not found the video, I would not have reached this point." He additionally claimed he had no sexual interest in children, stating, "I don't have any interest in children.
Had I had any interest, I would have gone to the doctor to get help." In a plea to avoid prison, Al-Shrida said he would "dedicate" 50% of his future earnings to charities supporting poor children worldwide, as a way to repent.
Rachel Scott, representing Al-Shrida, acknowledged that he provided images for individuals with a sexual interest in children but emphasized that he does not share that interest himself.
"He is clear that he doesn't have a sexual interest in children," she said.
"Some of the people who asked for images did have such an interest." The court was told that Al-Shrida traveled to the UK in 2003 and had been a British citizen for a decade.
He was married and had a three-year-old son but had not been in contact due to the ongoing court case.
Judge John Thackray QC addressed Al-Shrida directly, stating, "I have no doubt whatsoever that you do have a sexual interest in children.
It may be one that you are too ashamed to admit.
The evidence that you gave lacked any credibility whatsoever.
Possessing and distributing indecent images of children is a serious offence." He highlighted the harm caused by such actions, adding, "It fuels child sexual abuse and the untold suffering and harm to children, who are abused and filmed being abused at or from a young age, leading to lifelong consequences.
Those who possess and distribute such images for others’ gratification fuel sexual abuse." The judge concluded by sentencing Al-Shrida to 16 months in prison, placing him under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
He is also required to register as a sex offender for ten years.
