STEVEN MOORE FROM NORTON AND STOCKTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

In March 2008, Steven Moore, a man previously regarded as a diligent family man from Stockton, found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving child pornography. The incident unfolded when police officers executed a raid on his residence located on Samuel Street, Stockton, on March 18 of the previous year. The police investigation revealed that Moore had been involved in the possession and creation of indecent images of children, with evidence pointing to his activities spanning from February 2006 to March 2007.

Moore, aged 43 and a father of two, had no prior criminal record before this incident. The police discovered that he had made 16 indecent photographs of children and possessed a total of 81 indecent images stored on his computer. The authorities also found that Moore had searched various websites related to child pornography, although he claimed that his interest was purely curiosity and that he did not derive sexual gratification from viewing the images.

During the court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, Moore pleaded guilty to all charges. His defense attorney, Nigel Soppitt, emphasized the profound personal toll the case had taken on Moore. He explained that since the police raid, Moore’s life had been turned upside down. His marriage had ended, he had lost his job, and he was now living in a bedsit in Norton, a nearby town. The court was told that Moore was surviving on a meager benefit of just £10 per week.

The prosecution, led by Shaun Dodds, detailed the nature of the evidence, including the discovery of thumbnail images that had been deleted but recovered during forensic analysis. The court was also informed that Moore had searched for child pornography online, although he maintained that he was not seeking sexual gratification but was merely curious.

In sentencing, Judge Les Spittle acknowledged the significant consequences Moore had already faced. He stated, “You have already paid a fairly substantial price for this madness on your part – family, job, and home all seem to have gone.” The judge sentenced Moore to six months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning Moore would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, Moore was placed under two years of probation supervision and was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years. He was also banned indefinitely from working with children.

Judge Spittle further remarked, “Now you are at risk of losing your liberty, but I also have to look at the public and the long-term benefit, and far more can be done for society’s benefit by not locking you up.”

Throughout the proceedings, it was highlighted that Moore’s life had been profoundly affected by his actions and subsequent legal consequences. His lawyer described him as a “lonely, forlorn figure,” living in a bedsit and enduring daily punishment since his arrest. The case underscored the devastating personal and social impacts of such crimes, even when the offender is spared immediate imprisonment.