MICHAEL AUSTIN FROM MARSHCHAPEL FACES SERIOUS CHARGES OVER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AT LINCOLN CROWN COURT

In August 2018, a resident of Marshchapel, Michael Austin, aged 58, appeared before Lincoln Magistrates’ Court to face multiple serious charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his alleged offenses, which involved a significant number of illicit images spanning over a decade.

Michael Austin, who resides on Sea Dyke Way in Marshchapel, pleaded guilty to four separate charges concerning the possession and production of indecent images. The charges detailed a disturbing pattern of behavior that stretched from December 2006 to March 2017, highlighting the severity and duration of his alleged misconduct.

The first charge accused Austin of creating 125 indecent photographs classified as ‘Category A’ images, which depict the most serious form of child exploitation. These images were reportedly made over a period starting in December 2006 and continuing until March 2017. The second charge involved the making of 172 ‘Category B’ images, which are considered less severe but still highly disturbing, with the creation date range from March 2007 to December 2016.

Further charges detailed that Austin had produced a total of 738 ‘Category C’ images, which are deemed less severe but nonetheless illegal, with the creation period spanning from March 2006 to March 2017. These images collectively represent a grave violation of child protection laws and highlight the extent of his alleged criminal activity.

In addition to the child exploitation images, Austin faced a particularly heinous charge related to the possession of extreme pornography. In May 2017, authorities found that he was in possession of 19 graphic and disturbing images that depicted a person performing sexual acts on a live animal, specifically horses. These images were described as explicit, realistic, and grossly offensive, constituting a serious breach of decency laws and moral standards.

Following his guilty pleas, Michael Austin was remanded to Lincoln Crown Court for sentencing, scheduled for the following Friday, August 31. Until then, he was granted unconditional bail, allowing him to remain free pending the court’s final judgment. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the possession of extreme pornography, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable victims.