MARK ROBINSON SENTENCED IN TEESSIDE FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
Mark Robinson, a 40-year-old residing in HMP Northumberland, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison after admitting to multiple child sex offences, including possession and distribution of indecent images of children.Robinson downloaded a total of 680 illegal images and videos depicting children, with authorities identifying 119 as the most serious Category A images, 105 in Category B, and 456 in Category C.
He shared 16 of these images with others via messaging platforms Kik and Snapchat.
Prosecutor Annelise Haugstad informed Teesside Crown Court that, in July 2020, a police protection officer seized Robinson's iPhone 7 from his workplace during an investigation.
Subsequent analysis revealed the device contained images and videos showing children who had been drugged, with some appearing distressed.
Police IT specialists discovered that Robinson had created social media aliases, including "Callum 818" and "Callum Read," to conceal his activity.
He had installed software that encrypted his data, making it more difficult to investigate.
Robinson pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, three counts of distribution of such images, three violations of sex offender notification requirements, and one breach of a sexual harm prevention order.
He has an extensive criminal record with four convictions relating to 35 previous child sex offences.
Addressing the court, defense lawyer Kelleigh Lodge mentioned that Robinson had initiated an online treatment program for sex offenders but was unable to continue it after his imprisonment in 2020.
She described prison as "not a very pleasant experience" for her client, who has "certainly learnt his lesson" and has sought help.
However, Judge Jonathan Carroll emphasized the seriousness of Robinson’s conduct.
He noted that Robinson’s iPhone demonstrated a clear breach of protective measures, as Robinson had accessed Kik and maintained regular contact with others sharing similar sexual interests involving children.
The pre-sentence report classified Robinson as a "high risk" to children, prompting the judge's decision to impose a substantial custodial sentence.
Robinson was therefore sentenced to four and a half years in prison for his damaging offences.
