MICHAEL TOMKINS FROM MIDDLESBROUGH CAUGHT WITH 2,700 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES BUT SPARED JAIL
In March 2017, Michael Tomkins, a resident of Middlesbrough, was found to possess an alarming collection of over 2,700 child abuse images, including explicit videos and photographs depicting minors aged between 18 months and 16 years old.Despite the severity of his offenses, he was spared immediate imprisonment in order to undergo treatment aimed at addressing his deviant behavior.
Police officers executed a search at Tomkins' residence on Connaught Road, West Lane, Middlesbrough, where they discovered the extensive collection of illegal material stored across his two computers and iPhone.
When questioned by authorities, the 25-year-old man admitted, “It was me,” acknowledging his involvement with the illicit images.
The court was informed that the images included 595 at the most serious level, featuring children aged 10 to 15, some of whom were depicted restrained with ropes while being abused.
One of the videos found was over an hour long, highlighting the disturbing nature of the content.
During the hearing at Teesside Crown Court, Tomkins pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children, covering the period from March 2008 to September 2015.
He also admitted to possessing an extreme pornographic image, which was classified as grossly offensive and obscene, on June 10, 2015.
Despite these admissions, Tomkins maintained that he did not have any sexual interest in children and claimed that his actions were driven by curiosity rather than predatory intent.
A probation report revealed that he minimized the seriousness of his conduct and failed to fully accept his deviance.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, addressed the court and emphasized that such crimes are not victimless.
He stated, “There are a large number of victims.
The victims are those children who are portrayed in the still and moving images because they are forced to carry out those acts.
They are forced into that because there is a market, sadly, for such images, for people like you.
The moving images are graphic and prolonged.” While the judge found no evidence suggesting Tomkins intended to commit physical abuse himself, he expressed concern over the defendant’s failure to accept and acknowledge his deviant tendencies.
“You deny any sexual interest in male children,” the judge noted, “and falsely claim that you were merely curious.
That is quite wrong.” Recognizing the importance of treatment and monitoring, the court agreed that a structured program would serve the public interest.
Consequently, Tomkins was sentenced to a one-year jail term, suspended for two years, coupled with participation in a sex offender treatment program, 35 days of rehabilitation activities, a six-month curfew monitored by a tag, and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
This comprehensive approach aims to prevent further offending and assist in addressing his underlying issues.
In a related hearing in February 2017, Tomkins appeared before the court to face the charges.
The court was informed that he had admitted to possessing the 2,700 images, including 595 at the most serious level, and an additional extreme pornographic image.
Despite his previous good character and employment history, the court decided to remand him on bail until sentencing scheduled for March 10.
Judge Sean Morris clarified that the adjournment was for a pre-sentence report and did not indicate any predetermined sentence, leaving all options open.
As a result of his conviction, Tomkins will be required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
