Description
A married father who shared dozens of pictures of children being sexually abused has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Mark Hodgson, 57, of Carlisle, was arrested at work last September after police became aware of images of children uploaded on a social media platform.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Hodgson claimed to have no sexual interest in children, but the sentencing judge concluded that assertion was "fanciful".
Having admitted making and distributing indecent photographs of children and possessing extreme pornographic images, Hodgson was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete rehabilitation sessions and 150 hours of unpaid work.
'Grotesque' abuse
Two mobile phones seized from him contained illegal still and moving images showing children aged between seven and 15 being sexually abused.
Investigators found a total of 56 images, with 38 logged in the most serious class of category A.
When interviewed, Hodgson admitted he was sent the images which he copied, posted and forwarded on during a period of offending between February 2023 and August last year.
Recorder William Beardmore told Hodgson: "Those children, somewhere in the world, were being abused by individuals in the most grotesque way.
"Notwithstanding the fact you did not take these photographs, you were part of the reason there is a demand for this material.
Hodgson is now subject to sex offender notification requirements and must also adhere to the strict terms of a prevention order, both for 10 years.
He was also barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.