MARK HICKS FROM NEWPORT JAILED IN SHROPSHIRE FOR CHILD INDECENCY OFFENSES
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Mark Hicks, a 51-year-old resident of Newport, was sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of possessing a vast collection of indecent images of children.The proceedings took place at Shrewsbury Crown Court, where Judge Peter Barrie presided over the case, highlighting the severity of Hicks' actions and the potential threat posed to the safety of minors.
According to court records, Hicks faced six charges related to the possession of indecent images, including one at the highest classification level, level five, and 37 images at level four.
The total number of images discovered on his device was staggering—4,548 in total.
These images were uncovered during a police search of Hicks’ residence on Vineyard Road, Newport, in January 2003.
During the investigation, authorities seized a laptop from his home, which contained the illicit material.
Prosecutor Robert James Edwards detailed the findings, stating, “This laptop contained 4,548 images in total.
On police interview he admitted to downloading and deleting the images immediately.
He said he was disgusted and disappointed in himself.” The court was also informed that Hicks had a prior conviction for similar offenses, including indecently assaulting a male under 14 and creating indecent images, for which he was jailed and subsequently released in June 2004.
This history underscored the ongoing nature of his criminal behavior.
During the hearing, Hicks’ defense attorney, Mr.
Michael Sherwood-Smith, explained that Hicks was experiencing depression, low self-esteem, and nightmares related to his divorce at the time he was downloading the images.
Despite these mitigating factors, the judge emphasized the gravity of Hicks’ repeated offenses.
Judge Barrie remarked, “Within two years of your licence period ending of your previous sentence you failed to learn the lessons in your programme and committed similar offences again.” The judge further expressed concern over the volume and nature of the images, noting that Hicks did not merely view but actively discarded the images after viewing them.
The presence of images at the highest level of depravity was particularly troubling.
“It is concerning you went back to the behaviour you showed in 2003,” Judge Barrie stated.
“You had the opportunity to learn from a program but it has not worked and you were unable to stop yourself accessing images again.” In his sentencing remarks, Judge Barrie highlighted the potential danger Hicks posed to children, warning of the physical harm he could cause and the harm inflicted by his online activities.
The court took a firm stance, sentencing Hicks to an extended term of six years in prison, with two years to be served behind bars and four years on extended license.
Additionally, Hicks was subjected to a lifelong sexual offences order, prohibiting him from working with children.
The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the laptop containing the illicit images, aiming to prevent any further dissemination or access to such material.
