MIDDLESBROUGH MAN THOMAS ILEY CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through Middlesbrough, Thomas Iley, aged 48, was found to be in possession of a significant collection of illegal images depicting minors.The authorities uncovered 115 child abuse images on his personal computer tower and a USB device during a search conducted at his residence in Farndale Court, Middlesbrough.
These images included photographs of girls aged between 10 and 12 years old, with some of the material classified under the most severe legal category, highlighting the gravity of the offense.
According to the prosecution, Emma Atkinson, the illegal images had been downloaded over a span of three years prior to the police raid, which took place on August 31 of the previous year.
During police interviews, Iley admitted to the possession of these images and confessed to three counts of making indecent images of children.
This marked his first conviction related to such offenses.
Thomas Iley, who had been employed by Royal Mail for 25 years, expressed remorse but also attempted to justify his actions by claiming that his drinking habits contributed to his offending.
His arrest and subsequent charges have profoundly impacted his personal and professional life, leading to his inability to return to his job at Royal Mail.
At Middlesbrough Crown Court, Judge Peter Armstrong addressed Iley's case, emphasizing that the defendant had not attempted to conceal his activities.
The judge noted that there was no evidence of distribution of the images, which could have resulted in immediate imprisonment if proven.
He also pointed out that the number of images involved was relatively low compared to other cases, where the counts can reach into the hundreds or thousands.
In light of Iley's personal circumstances, the judge decided to suspend the prison sentence.
Consequently, Thomas Iley was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
As part of his sentence, he was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, including one-to-one assistance tailored for sex offenders.
Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, restricting his use of the internet, computer, and storage devices for the next decade.
He will also be registered as a sex offender for ten years and was ordered to pay costs amounting to £300.
In a related case from June 2017, another Middlesbrough man was awaiting sentencing after admitting to possessing 115 child abuse images.
The individual, identified as being from Grove Hill, had no prior convictions and pleaded guilty to making indecent photographs of children between August 2013 and August 2016.
The images included 43 at the most severe legal level.
The court scheduled a further hearing on June 27 to prepare a pre-sentence report, with Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC noting that the defendant had shown good sense by pleading guilty and would receive appropriate credit for his cooperation in due course.
