ST HELENS PERVERT MARK ANDERS SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE ENCOURAGEMENT AND IMAGE DISTRIBUTION

In August 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark Anders, a resident of St Helens, who was convicted of heinous crimes related to child exploitation and possession of indecent images. The proceedings took place at Liverpool Crown Court, where the severity of Anders' actions was laid bare.

Judge Neil Flewitt sentenced the 47-year-old to six years in prison, emphasizing the grave nature of his offenses and the significant risk he posed to the safety of children. The judge stated that Anders believed the abuse he was encouraging would actually occur, highlighting the dangerous mindset behind his actions. "You acknowledge it was not merely fantasy but in the belief that the offence would be carried out, that a child somewhere in the world would be sexually abused," Judge Flewitt remarked.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Anders was actively involved in online activities that promoted child abuse. He used the messaging platform Kik, which is known within certain communities, including the homosexual community, to communicate with others. Anders was part of a group called 'pics and vids of boys,' which comprised approximately fifty members. The court heard that Anders engaged in conversations with two individuals where he discussed 'scouting for boys' aged 12 and 13. Additionally, he was involved in a disturbing exchange where he encouraged another man to commit rape.

Prosecutor Rob Jones described the case as involving a "very depraved state of affairs," underscoring the seriousness of the offenses. Anders admitted to three charges of encouraging and assisting child abuse, alongside five charges related to downloading, possessing, and distributing indecent images. Police had raided his home on June 14, discovering a substantial collection of illegal material.

The authorities found a total of 1,150 images across three categories of severity, including 402 in the most serious category. Anders had also distributed 175 photographs. When questioned by police, he was candid, admitting that his phone contained indecent images of children as young as one year old. Prosecutor Jones expressed concern over the extremity of the images, stating, "More extreme images it is difficult to contemplate."

Judge Flewitt condemned Anders' actions, stating, "Every child featured in those images is the victim of sexual abuse and most, if not all, will have suffered physical, mental, and emotional anguish as a result of what others have done to them." He further explained that by downloading, sharing, and possessing such images, Anders contributed directly to the demand for child exploitation material, thereby perpetuating the cycle of abuse.

As part of his sentence, Anders was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.