ROBERT MOORE'S SHOCKING CHILD AND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN LONG PRESTON

In October 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Robert Moore, a 31-year-old resident of Long Preston, North Yorkshire, who was found to possess an extensive collection of highly illegal and disturbing pornography. The police investigation uncovered a significant hoard of both child and animal pornography, including videos depicting sexual acts with animals such as pigs, goats, horses, and even an octopus.

Moore had amassed a large number of illicit images and videos, totaling 35 images and 79 videos of humans engaged in sexual activities with various animals. The severity of the material was underscored during the court proceedings, with the prosecution counsel Jeremy Hill-Baker stating that the images 'speak for themselves,' leading Judge Colin Burn to decline viewing the most extreme animal pornographic material himself.

During the hearing at Bradford Crown Court, Moore pleaded guilty to 14 counts related to possessing child and animal pornography. The police had also discovered 82 indecent images or videos of children on his hard drive, which ranged in seriousness from levels one to four. It was acknowledged that Moore had come across these images unintentionally, suggesting he did not actively seek out child pornography but rather stumbled upon it while collecting adult material.

In his defense, Moore's legal representative, Robin Frieze, made a somewhat sarcastic remark, stating, 'If the prospect of a human being having sex with an octopus speaks for itself then my learned friend certainly has a better imagination than I.' Frieze also emphasized that Moore did not accept he had a sexual deviance, claiming that his collection was primarily focused on adult pornography and that there was no deliberate attempt to seek out child images.

Judge Burn addressed the court, describing the collection as 'large' and containing 'some very unpleasant images.' He acknowledged Moore's claim that he never intended to collect child pornography but highlighted the gravity of possessing extreme pornography, especially images involving children being abused. The judge emphasized that such material warrants serious punishment.

As a result, Moore was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work and to sign the sex offenders register for a period of seven years. Due to his refusal to admit having a problem, Moore was deemed ineligible for sex offender treatment programs offered by the probation service, which could have provided him with necessary psychological support and intervention.