2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Sara Nichol)
A pervert has avoided jail after he was found to have a vile collection of child sex abuse photos on his mobile phone. Bradley Somerville had downloaded the images, some of which were the most serious kind, on messaging service Kik between 2019 and 2022. The 29-year-old was arrested in November 2022 and, as part of that, his mobile was seized.
A court heard that a total of 19 sick images were discovered on the device, which included four of the most serious kind that involve penetrative sexual activity. Somerville, of Ravensworth Street, in Bedlington , appeared in the dock at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court this week to plead guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child. Prosecutor, Paul Anderson, said the photos were downloaded while Somerville was living in Ashington .
Mr Anderson added: "On November 14 2022, police arrest the defendant and seized his mobile phone and uncover four category A images, five B images and 10 C images. "The sentencing guidelines for category A images is 12 months in custody." The court heard that Somerville, who has no past convictions, had been sent a link to the photos and had downloaded them.
Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter Paul Dunn, defending, said Somerville had deleted the pictures when he realised what they contained. The solicitor also said he'd pleaded guilty and was remorseful. Magistrates gave Somerville an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered him to do 40 hours of unpaid work.
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