STEVEN GUNN FROM STOCKTON CAUGHT IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL IN NORTH-EAST

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Steven Gunn, a resident of Stockton, was brought to justice following a series of heinous online activities involving child exploitation. The incident came to light after Gunn, 54, engaged in a disturbing correspondence with a woman in South America, during which he sent her a graphic photograph and a series of emails that revealed his disturbing fantasies.

Gunn falsely portrayed himself to his international penpal, claiming that he was divorced and that his wife had relocated to Spain. He further fabricated stories, asserting that he was involved in sexual activities with his own daughter. These falsehoods prompted the recipient in Brazil to alert authorities, who then launched an investigation into Gunn’s online activities.

In May of the previous year, Cleveland Police executed a raid on Gunn’s residence located in Clyde Grove, Stockton. The search was part of a broader effort to uncover evidence related to his online misconduct. During the police search, officers examined Gunn’s computer and discovered an alarming collection of thousands of indecent images depicting children. The investigation also revealed that Gunn had visited numerous pornographic websites that specialized in child exploitation material.

Further scrutiny uncovered that Gunn had created multiple aliases to facilitate his online searches and communications, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal his activities. The police found that Gunn had engaged in these illicit searches and exchanges over a period extending from December 2006 to May of the following year.

At Teesside Crown Court, it was revealed that Gunn’s online behavior was not limited to mere viewing. He had sent explicit images and messages to a correspondent, claiming that the child in the photographs was his daughter and that he was planning to produce a film involving her. The police found that Gunn had visited child pornography sites at least eight times in the three weeks leading up to his arrest. During the search, authorities also discovered nearly 100 explicit videos involving children on his computer.

Gunn’s actions included the possession of a total of 581 indecent images, along with 16 charges related to the creation of such material. The evidence presented showed that he had also sent photographs of a girl, which he claimed was his daughter, to a contact online.

During his police interview, Gunn admitted that he derived sexual gratification from using fictitious names and sharing stories online. His defense lawyer, Stephen Constantine, described Gunn as being remorseful and cooperative, emphasizing that he did not attempt to shift blame for his actions. Constantine argued that Gunn would benefit from psychological help to address his behavior.

Judge Brian Forster, QC, sentenced Gunn to four months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, contingent upon his compliance with supervision and treatment programs. Gunn was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £350 and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of seven years. Additionally, he was mandated to attend an internet-based sex offender treatment program.

In court, the judge remarked on the severity of Gunn’s conduct, noting that his actions went beyond typical cases of online child exploitation. The judge highlighted that Gunn appeared to be actively living out his fantasies through his online interactions, which demonstrated a disturbing level of engagement with his illicit interests.