January 2017 Pervert admits possession of sexual images of children A sheet metalworker who admitted possession of sexual images of children has been jailed. Ryan Sweeney, 36, admitted downloading, storing and viewing indecent photographs of children over a three-year period. Durham Crown Court heard that he gathered 336 images, including 15 in the most serious category. Chris Baker, prosecuting, said, police went to his home on November 13 and seized his mobile phone and two computer devices, on which the material was stored. Sweeney made full admissions, accepting he had a sexual attraction to teenage girls. A probation report outlined that he had moved from accessing adult pornography to searching for material featuring younger females. The probation officer said Sweeney regarded it as, “his dirty little secret”, but he has now been engaging in counselling to help him come to terms with his offending. Sweeney, formerly of Darlington, but now living in Newton Aycliffe admitted making indecent photographs of children. Passing a 12-month prison sentence, Judge Prince said although Sweeney accepted having an interest in teenage girls, some images featured children as young as six. “I take the view there’s only a limited recognition of your sexual attraction and the most effective way of protecting the public will be for you to receive an immediate prison sentence.” Sweeney was made subject of sex offender registration and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, for ten years.