NEIL MCTEAR FROM WHITEHAVEN CAUGHT VIEWING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN CUMBRIA

In November 2010, Neil McTear, a 47-year-old resident of Read Drive in Whitehaven, was found to have downloaded a significant number of indecent images of children on his personal computer. The investigation was initiated after the national Child Exploitation and Online Protection Unit uncovered evidence indicating that McTear had been using his home laptop to access and view these disturbing images.

Following the discovery, McTear was charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to 19 separate offences related to the possession and downloading of child pornography. The case was brought before Carlisle Crown Court, where the court heard detailed accounts of the extent of his online activity. It was revealed that McTear had viewed a total of 174 indecent images depicting children, with 50 of these classified as Level Four images, which is considered the second most severe category of child exploitation material.

The ages of the children featured in these images ranged from as young as five years old up to 15 years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material involved. Prosecutor Alan Lovett explained that the investigation was initiated based on intelligence gathered by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Unit, which led to a police raid on McTear’s residence on July 2 of the previous year.

During the police search, McTear reportedly made a startling admission, stating, “I’ve looked at all sorts – I’m curious.” When authorities examined his laptop, they discovered that he had initially been viewing adult pornography before progressing to viewing child pornography. McTear later confessed to police that he had intentionally entered specific search terms into his computer’s search engine with the explicit aim of locating child exploitation images.

Representing McTear, solicitor Greg Hoare, noted that his client had been honest with law enforcement and acknowledged that his offending behavior needed to be addressed. This level of candor was described as unusual among offenders of this nature.

Judge Barbara Forrester, presiding over the case, addressed the court and emphasized the seriousness of the offense. She stated, “It is clear from the pre-sentence report that you gradually got into the way of looking at child pornography after looking at adult pornography.” She also pointed out that McTear had not saved any of the images on his computer, but she underscored the fact that child pornography is often perceived as a victimless crime, which is a misconception. The judge explained that, despite the images being taken years ago, the children depicted could still be victims, and some may never be identified.

Judge Forrester further remarked that prosecutions like this serve a vital role in preventing future abuse, as they act as a deterrent and help protect potential victims. As part of her sentencing, she imposed a three-year supervision order on McTear, requiring him to complete a sexual offending behavior program in an effort to prevent any recurrence of his actions. Additionally, McTear was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years and was prohibited from working with children in any capacity.