MARK MCKUHEN FROM KIRKBY SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Kirkby, Mark McKuhen, a 34-year-old man from Hargate Walk, Northwood, was convicted of a series of heinous offences related to child exploitation and possession of indecent images. The case came to light in August 2017 when police investigations uncovered the extent of his involvement in online child abuse activities.

McKuhen, who was employed by a retail company, was found to have engaged in online chats with other individuals who shared similar dark interests. Under the alias “Perv Paul,” he participated in conversations that involved fantasizing about the rape and murder of children, including infants. These conversations took place on platforms such as Kik Messenger and Skype, where he exchanged graphic images and videos depicting very young children being sexually abused. The police investigation revealed that McKuhen had sent and received numerous disturbing images, including naked photographs of himself and others, further illustrating his active participation in the dissemination of child abuse material.

The authorities acted after receiving intelligence from the Avon and Somerset police, which prompted a search of McKuhen’s home. During the search, officers seized his computer equipment and discovered a staggering collection of nearly 1,000 indecent images of children, including videos. The images ranged in severity, with some classified as extreme pornography. It was also revealed that McKuhen had not downloaded these images himself but had obtained them through online chats with other offenders, subsequently passing them on to others.

Prosecutor Simon Duncan told Liverpool Crown Court that McKuhen’s online activities involved the exchange of highly disturbing material, and he had used multiple platforms to communicate and distribute these images. The court heard that McKuhen’s online persona, “Perv. Paul,” was central to his involvement in this illegal activity. Despite the severity of his actions, it was noted that he had only one previous conviction, which was for fraud.

Judge Anil Murray described the offences as extremely serious and stated that only a custodial sentence was appropriate. Consequently, McKuhen was sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration. McKuhen pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including the distribution, possession, and making of indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme pornography, committed between May 2015 and March 29 of the following year.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and highlights the disturbing extent of such criminal activities within local communities like Kirkby.