PAUL CLEGHORN FROM NEWCASTLE CAUGHT WITH 345 DISTURBING CHILD PORN VIDEOS IN BENWELL AND KENTON
In March 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Paul Cleghorn, a man residing in Benwell, Newcastle, who was found in possession of an extensive and heinous collection of child exploitation material.The investigation revealed that Cleghorn had accumulated over 300 disturbing videos depicting minors, along with numerous images that included highly explicit and vile content involving children.
These illicit materials were discovered at his former residence located in Kenton, Newcastle, where authorities uncovered a total of 345 videos and 34 images.
The content was classified into various categories based on severity, with the most serious being Category A, which involves penetrative sexual acts.
The court heard that Cleghorn’s collection included a significant number of these Category A videos and images, highlighting the gravity of his offenses.
Specifically, the police found that Cleghorn had amassed 261 videos and one image classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe form of child exploitation material.
Additionally, there were three images and 61 videos categorized as Category B, and 30 images along with 23 videos classified as Category C, indicating a range of explicit content involving minors.
The case was brought before magistrates in North Tyneside, where Cleghorn, formerly of Ryal Walk in Kenton but now residing on Gill Street in Benwell, appeared to face charges.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.
The prosecution, led by Rebecca Gibson, outlined that Cleghorn had collected these illicit materials over a three-month period from December 1, 2018, to February 27, 2019.
Gibson emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “The starting point for Category A images is one year in custody.
This case ought to be committed to the crown court for sentence.” She further noted that there were aggravating factors that could potentially extend the custodial period beyond one year.
The court acknowledged the severity of the offenses and agreed to release Cleghorn on unconditional bail, with a subsequent court appearance scheduled for April 9.
During the hearing, magistrates confirmed the evidence of the extensive collection of illicit material, which included one image and 261 videos of Category A, three images and 61 videos of Category B, and 30 images along with 23 videos of Category C.
The case remains ongoing as authorities continue to pursue justice for the victims involved.
