MATTHEW ROBBINS SENTENCED IN TEESSIDE FOR POSSESSING INDECENT IMAGES
In May 2021, Matthew Robbins, a 20-year-old man from Acklam, was sentenced after being found in possession of indecent and prohibited images.The police apprehended Robbins following an investigation into his internet activity, which led to the seizure of his mobile phone last summer.
Victoria Lamballe, the prosecutor, explained that on July 9 of the previous year, officers responded to Heythrop Drive in Acklam, where Robbins resided, after a Snapchat user had uploaded a Category A image of a child to the internet.
Police recovered various devices, including a Samsung mobile phone and a SIM card.
During police interviews, Robbins chose not to comment.
However, analysis of his device uncovered three Category A images, one Category B image, and nine Category C images.
Ms.
Lamballe noted that most of these images were located in the device’s recycling bin but remained accessible to Robbins.
One particularly distressing image depicted a child as young as six years old being abused.
Among the other illegal images found were various prohibited images.
Robbins again maintained a no comment stance during a second police interview, and authorities confirmed there was no evidence indicating he had distributed the images.
At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Timothy Stead highlighted the disappointment at Robbins’ situation, especially given his clean record.
Robbins was sentenced to a two-year community order, with an additional requirement to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities.
He will be on the sex offender register for five years and subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
