NEIL ATKINSON FROM MARSEKE SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN TEESSIDE

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Marske, Neil Atkinson, a 51-year-old resident of Churchill Drive, was brought before Teesside Crown Court to face charges related to the possession of indecent images of children. The proceedings revealed that Atkinson had accumulated a disturbing collection of illegal photographs over a span of more than three years, with a total of 152 images, including 13 classified at the most severe level of indecency.

These charges stem from incidents that occurred between February 2014 and July of the previous year, highlighting a prolonged period during which Atkinson engaged in the possession of these illicit materials. The case first came to light when Atkinson admitted guilt to three counts of making indecent photographs of children, a plea he entered in May 2018. His admission was made on a written basis, which the prosecution would consider in the sentencing process.

During the initial court hearing, Judge Peter Armstrong acknowledged Atkinson’s prompt guilty plea, stating that this would earn him maximum credit. The judge also issued a warning that the bail granted to Atkinson at that time should not be interpreted as an indication of the severity of the eventual sentence, emphasizing that all options remained open for the court.

As the case progressed to sentencing in June 2018, Judge Sean Morris delivered a firm judgment. Neil Atkinson was sentenced to a 12-month community service order, requiring him to perform unpaid work within the community as a form of punishment and rehabilitation. Additionally, he was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his activities and contact to prevent further offenses. He was also ordered to participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing his behavior.

Furthermore, Atkinson was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years, a legal requirement that mandates regular registration and monitoring. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, and it serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in such crimes in the Marske and wider Teesside area.