THOMAS FINNEGAN FROM HITCHIN AND SOUTHPORT ADMITS TO CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGE CRIMES

In a case that has shocked the communities of Hitchin and Southport, Thomas Finnegan, aged 33, has pleaded guilty to serious charges related to the creation and distribution of child sex abuse images. The court proceedings took place at Cambridge Crown Court, where Finnegan appeared to admit to his involvement in these disturbing crimes.

Finnegan, who is currently residing on Stanley Street in Southport, Merseyside, was found to have committed these offences between January and June of the previous year. His actions involved using a computer to produce indecent photographs of children, which he then shared online, contributing to the proliferation of such harmful material. The court heard that these activities were carried out over a span of several months, highlighting a sustained period of criminal behavior.

In addition to the charges related to child exploitation, Finnegan also pleaded guilty to possessing an extreme pornographic image. This particular image depicted a sex act involving a dog, adding another layer of depravity to his criminal record. The court's proceedings underscored the severity of his offenses and the need for appropriate sentencing.

Judge Gareth Hawkesworth, presiding over the case, ordered that Finnegan be released on bail until his sentencing, which is scheduled to take place during the week beginning June 26 at the same court. As part of his bail conditions, Finnegan is prohibited from engaging in any employment that would bring him into contact with children under the age of 16. Furthermore, he is barred from accessing any online pornography and must refrain from using software that could delete or encrypt his internet history, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Additional restrictions include a ban on using the Tor network or Internet Relay Chat (IRC), both of which are often used to maintain online anonymity. Finnegan is also explicitly forbidden from having any unsupervised contact with minors under 16, reflecting the court's concern for public safety and the protection of vulnerable children. These measures aim to prevent any further criminal activity and to monitor his online behavior until his sentencing.