MICHAEL GIRKIN FROM HEADINGTON SENTENCED FOR VIEWING CHILD TORTURE IMAGES AT OXFORD CROWN COURT

In October 2014, a 25-year-old student pursuing a PhD in history at Oxford University was found to have viewed highly disturbing images depicting the torture and sexual abuse of children. The incident came to light when his flatmate discovered the images on his computer on October 24 of the previous year. The images, which Girkin had asked his flatmate to email to him, included a total of 724 pictures, with 97 classified at the most severe level, illustrating acts of extreme cruelty and torture inflicted upon children.

Michael Girkin, residing on Windmill Road in Headington, was brought before Oxford Crown Court where Judge Zoe Smith addressed the case. The judge emphasized that the sheer number of images saved by Girkin indicated a level of interest that went beyond mere curiosity. She pointed out that the images at the highest level depicted actual torture, underscoring the severity of the material Girkin had accessed.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Matthew Walsh detailed the findings, highlighting the disturbing nature of the images. Girkin’s defense lawyer, Mark Sharman, argued that his client had no prior criminal record and was highly educated, holding two degrees and currently engaged in doctoral studies. Sharman explained that Girkin claimed his interest in downloading the images was driven by “stupid curiosity” influenced by media reports about such cases. He stressed that Girkin was fully aware of the harm these images could cause, acknowledging that viewing such material perpetuates the cycle of abuse.

Girkin admitted guilt to a single count of making indecent images of children at the earliest opportunity, a plea that was accepted by the court. Despite this, Judge Smith made it clear that Girkin’s claim of curiosity did not fully explain his actions, especially given the nature and quantity of the images. The judge described the most severe images as depicting children being subjected to torture, emphasizing the real and ongoing harm inflicted upon victims.

As a result, Girkin was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to participate in a Cyber Safe activity program and to undergo two years of supervision. Additionally, he was required to pay costs amounting to £650 and a victims’ surcharge of £80. Girkin will be on the sex offenders’ register for seven years and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the measures taken to prevent future harm.