RIPON PAEDOPHILE TIMOTHY CHEESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE VIDEOS AND ONLINE INCEST

In April 2021, a disturbing case involving Timothy Cheesbrough, a 35-year-old resident of Ripon, came to light through the diligent efforts of law enforcement authorities. Cheesbrough was found to have engaged in the possession and distribution of a significant collection of illegal and highly disturbing child abuse material, which included hundreds of videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

York Crown Court heard that Cheesbrough had actively searched the internet for depraved images and videos involving children as young as four years old. His online activity was not limited to mere viewing; he downloaded numerous videos that showed children being subjected to sexual assault and abuse. Among the material found were videos featuring what the prosecutor, Julian Jones, described as “erotic” dancing by a young girl, which further exemplifies the depravity of his online pursuits.

Cheesbrough, who worked at a supermarket, frequented various illicit websites. One such site involved the use of video technology to encourage a girl, estimated to be between 12 and 13 years old, to expose her intimate body parts on camera. This disturbing incident was part of the evidence that led to his arrest. The police first became aware of Cheesbrough’s illegal activities in September 2018, after receiving a tip-off linking his computer IP address, mobile phone number, and Yahoo email accounts—some of which used female usernames—to the distribution of illegal content.

On September 27, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cheesbrough’s flat in Ripon. He was detained on suspicion of possessing and sharing indecent images of children. During police interviews, Cheesbrough refused to cooperate or answer questions. However, forensic analysis of his electronic devices—including an iPhone, desktop computer, and external hard drive—revealed a troubling collection of over 170 illegal images and videos. These ranged from less severe to the most serious Category A material, with 61 images and videos classified as such, which are considered the most disturbing and explicit.

Julian Jones highlighted that some of the Category A videos were “particularly disturbing,” depicting young girls between the ages of four and twelve being raped by adult males. One of the videos, sourced from a website known for hosting such content, showed Cheesbrough and possibly others encouraging a girl dressed in a school uniform to expose her private parts. The prosecutor noted that the girl’s identity remained unknown, but the recording was made using PowerPoint software to facilitate the live stream.

Cheesbrough pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and one count of inciting or causing an underage girl to engage in sexual activity. Judge Sean Morris addressed the court, condemning Cheesbrough’s actions and warning against the dangerous escalation of online child exploitation. The judge remarked that Cheesbrough’s case exemplified a common pattern seen in courts—an adult becoming addicted to searching for illegal pornography, which then progresses into actively seeking out and inciting children to engage in indecent acts.

He emphasized the severe psychological impact such images and videos could have on the victims, noting that the girl in the recorded incident would likely realize her images are circulating online, with potentially devastating effects on her mental health. The judge described Cheesbrough’s behavior as deliberate and predatory, involving the encouragement of a child to perform indecent acts in a website environment where others appeared to observe or support the activity.

As a result of his convictions, Cheesbrough was sentenced to 21 months in prison. He is expected to serve half of this sentence before being released on licence. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual-harm prevention order, which will remain in effect for seven years, restricting his internet use and monitoring his online activities. Cheesbrough was also placed on the sex offenders’ register, requiring him to inform authorities of any change in his circumstances or location after his release from custody.