STEVEN MONAGHAN'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SEARCHES IN MIDDLESBROUGH
In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about child exploitation, Steven Monaghan, a known sex offender from Middlesbrough, was found to have continued searching for child abuse images despite legal restrictions and court orders.The incident unfolded in September 2017, when authorities visited his residence on Rutland Court, located in the heart of Middlesbrough, as part of ongoing investigations into his previous offenses.
Monaghan, aged 69 at the time, had previously been convicted in February of the same year for possessing indecent images of children.
His prior conviction resulted in a one-year prison sentence.
Additionally, he was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which mandated that he produce all electronic devices for police inspection and prohibited him from accessing or possessing any material related to child exploitation.
During the police visit, Monaghan initially presented his mobile phone, claiming he had no other devices in his possession.
However, a thorough search of his home revealed otherwise.
Officers discovered two tablets hidden within his residence—one concealed in a cupboard and another tucked away under his settee.
Despite Monaghan’s denial of possessing additional devices, forensic analysis of the tablets showed no indecent images on the machines.
Nevertheless, investigators found evidence suggesting that Monaghan had been actively searching for such material.
Prosecutor Emma Atkinson explained to Teesside Crown Court that the searches on the devices indicated a clear intent to find child abuse images, which was a breach of the court-ordered restrictions.
Monaghan subsequently pleaded guilty to two breaches of the SHPO, adding to a criminal record that spans back to the 1970s, with a total of 32 offenses.
Defense lawyer Robert Mochrie argued that Monaghan was a man who could benefit from intervention and support.
He pointed out that aside from an early probation order in the 1970s, Monaghan had not previously received supervision or treatment.
Mochrie suggested that a suspended sentence might serve society better, emphasizing that Monaghan had shown some stability since his release from prison.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, addressed Monaghan directly during sentencing.
He expressed his concern over the nature of the offenses, stating, “It’s quite clear you have a sexual arousal and gratification from looking at children images.
Offenses of that kind are not free of victims, a point I make regularly at this court.
The victims are those children who are the subject of those images.
They are forced into carrying out degrading and dreadful acts for the gratification of people like you.” The judge highlighted the seriousness of the breach, noting that Monaghan had deliberately concealed two devices from police, which were later found in his home.
On one of these devices, there was explicit evidence of internet searches related to children and sexual images.
Given the gravity of the breach and the potential risk posed, the court considered the case a serious violation of the court order.
While acknowledging the severity of the offense, Judge Bourne-Arton decided against immediate imprisonment, citing Monaghan’s recent stability and the recommendations in his pre-sentence report.
Instead, he sentenced Monaghan to 10 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, with an additional requirement of 35 days of rehabilitation activities.
This approach aimed to balance punishment with the opportunity for Monaghan to receive support and supervision to prevent future offenses.
