MATTHEW THARME AND HIS SHOCKING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN LIVERPOOL
A man from Liverpool with a disturbing history of possessing and sharing indecent images of children has been involved in a harrowing case that has shocked the local community and drew attention from authorities.Matthew Tharme, aged 48, was linked to a series of deeply troubling online activities, including the downloading and dissemination of explicit images depicting minors.
The investigation into Tharme’s activities began when police received intelligence indicating that an unidentified user had shared a vile collection of child abuse images via Kik Messenger, a popular chat service, in October of the previous year.
Authorities acted swiftly once this information was obtained, tracing the IP address involved to Tharme’s residence located on Kilburn Avenue in Eastham, Wirral.
A police raid was conducted there on December 15, during which Tharme was present at his home.
During the police intervention, Tharme acknowledged awareness of the ongoing investigations concerning his online activities.
Authorities then seized his Apple iPhone and Asus laptop for forensic analysis.
The evidence collected was profoundly disturbing.
Prosecutor Paul Blasbery testified in Liverpool Crown Court that police uncovered 20 images categorized as Category A, which is the most severe classification, featuring young girls aged between three to five being subjected to sexual violence.
In addition to these, investigators discovered 35 images categorized as Category B, including illicit photographs of a newborn baby being sexually abused, and 63 images classified as Category C, which depict girls as young as two to three years old being assaulted.
Further examination revealed the presence of an extreme pornography image, intensifying the severity of the case.
Officers also identified that Tharme had used Kik Messenger to distribute two of the Category C images, raising concerns about the potential sharing of these materials with others.
In the course of an interview with police later that day, Tharme admitted to using online chat rooms as a means to engage in what he described as “fantasy chat.” He confessed the possibility of having sent indecent images to other users during these exchanges and revealed that he had conducted online searches for images categorized as C.
Despite these admissions, Tharme insisted that he had no genuine sexual interest in children and claimed that his actions were driven by personal frustrations and mental distress.
Tharme explained that his criminal conduct was linked to a series of personal hardships.
He stated that he was in a very difficult place emotionally, having recently lost his job, which left him with a significant amount of free time.
He also mentioned that his brother was suffering from a serious illness and that the death of his pet dog had profoundly affected him, which he alleged contributed to his reckless online behavior.
The court proceedings revealed that Tharme, who now resides on Marline Avenue in Bromborough, Wirral, pleaded guilty to multiple charges: three counts of downloading indecent images of children, one count of possessing such images, distributing indecent photos, and possessing extreme pornography.
It was noted that Tharme has no prior convictions, a factor that may have played a role in the court’s sentencing decision.
Defending counsel Christopher McMaster highlighted Tharme’s honesty and remorse in a pre-sentence report.
He acknowledged that the sharing and distribution of the images represented a serious concern but emphasized that Tharme had not been involved in producing videos or a high volume of images, indicating some insight into his wrongdoing.
McMaster pointed out that Tharme had actively engaged in therapeutic treatment, working with a counselor from December to July and subsequently participating in a prevention program run by The Lucy Faithfull Foundation because of his financial situation.
Furthermore, McMaster explained that Tharme remains employed in computer sales but faces restrictions, including not living with his family and sees his 16-year-old son only under supervision.
His current living arrangements involve residing with his mother, and the case’s complexity signals a difficult road ahead for rehabilitation and reintegration.
The judge handling the case, Judge Andrew Menary, QC, acknowledged that while the number of images Tharme possessed—totaling 118—was lower than in many similar cases, the nature of the images was particularly extreme.
He clarified that had Tharme shared Category A images, the outcome would likely have been a prison sentence.
The judge emphasized the gravity of exchanging and sharing such material, describing it as a highly aggravating factor.
However, considering that the images shared were limited to Category C, and taking into account Tharme’s steps towards rehabilitation and remorse, the judge decided to sentence him to 10 months in jail, suspended for two years.
Additionally, Tharme was ordered to complete a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and perform 100 hours of unpaid community work.
The court also mandated that Tharme register as a sex offender and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for a decade.
An NSPCC spokesperson reacted to the sentencing, affirming the severity of such crimes: “Each one of Tharme’s sickening collection of indecent images and videos represents an horrific attack on an innocent child.
By downloading, sharing, and engaging in this trade, he is creating a demand that encourages others to force vulnerable children into situations that will leave lifelong scars—mentally, emotionally, and physically.”
