MARC SCOTT FROM PENRITH CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CARLISLE

In August 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving a man named Marc Scott, a resident of Penrith, who was found to possess a disturbing collection of child abuse images. The investigation was centered around his home in Carlisle, where police uncovered a cache of illicit material that spanned nearly a decade.

Police officers executed a search warrant at Scott's Sheffield Street residence in Carlisle, seizing two laptops and a Samsung smartphone for forensic analysis. The examination revealed a horrifying collection of 459 images depicting children being abused, including a particularly disturbing image of a child who was only five years old. The images were classified into various categories based on severity: 23 images fell under the most serious Category A, 22 under Category B, and a staggering 383 under Category C. Additionally, the collection included 12 Category A moving images, one Category B video, and eight Category C videos, along with an extreme pornographic film.

Prosecutor Beccy McGregor informed the court that the evidence indicated the illegal material had been accessed over a period of nine years, from October 6, 2009, to October 22, 2018. Further investigation uncovered approximately 1,000 other files containing similar illegal content that had been deliberately deleted by Scott, suggesting a systematic effort to conceal his activities.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Scott's collection was not merely accidental. The evidence pointed to deliberate searches for such material, indicating premeditation. The police investigation also uncovered that Scott had received a bundle of similar illicit images, which he did not actively seek out but received from others. The same was true for the extreme pornography found in his possession.

Representing Scott, lawyer David Wales, who now resides at Mayburgh Close, Eamont Bridge near Penrith, explained that the images of very young children were part of a collection sent to Scott, and he had not actively searched for these pictures. Wales emphasized that Scott had expressed remorse during police interviews and in his pre-sentence report. The lawyer also highlighted that Scott suffers from Asperger's syndrome, which he said contributed to his social difficulties, including having only one romantic relationship in his life.

Wales described Scott as a man of previously good character, having completed a degree in creative writing. He expressed concern that Scott was likely to lose his job as a chef at Center Parcs near Penrith due to the charges. The lawyer painted a picture of a man who was profoundly ashamed of his actions and deeply lonely, having turned to pornography at an early age as a substitute for human relationships.

Judge Jeremy Lasker addressed Scott directly, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. He pointed out that all children depicted in the images had mothers and fathers, and regardless of Scott's current feelings, these children were victims of real abuse. The judge sentenced Scott to a three-year community order, which includes participation in a Sex Offenders’ Treatment Programme. Additionally, Scott's name will be entered onto the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years, and he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He is also required to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities with the Probation Service, aiming to address his offending behavior and prevent future harm.