Sunderland man kept "live video" of "grotesque and horrific" sex attacks on children as young as four – Sunderland Echo

16:03 Tuesday 21 March 2017

A man caught with a "grotesque" collection of images of abuse of children as young as four has been spared jail.

Police found an illegal haul of 583 pictures, including two "live video" files, when they raided Gary McCann's home after a tip-off in September 2015.

Newcastle Crown Court heard all but the two video files had been deleted from the 49-year-old's computer but he had the software required to get them back.

The court heard a youngster featured in one video was aged between four and six.

McCann, of Sackville Road, Springwell, Sunderland, initially claimed he knew nothing about the sickening images and told police that other people had access to his computer.

He later pleaded guilty to three charges of making and possessing indecent photographs of children.

Judge Amanda Rippon told him: "You had obviously viewed all 583 images and you had retained two live video files for future viewing.

"You must understand, and make no mistake that these images are images of sexual abuse of children.

"Every time someone watches them the child is abused again. These are not victimless crimes.

"These are real images that you are watching, of real children being abused in the most grotesque and horrific ways.

"If people like you did not download and look at these files and images, it would not continue."

Shaun Routledge, defending, said McCann has a history of significant health problems, had a serious stroke after his arrest and has no similar convictions on his record.

Mr Routledge said McCann accepts he has done wrong and is willing to address his issues.

He added: "He understand he has been completely and utterly stupid."

McCann was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and abide by the terms of sexual offences prevention order, both for 10 years.

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Sunderland man kept "live video" of "grotesque and horrific" sex attacks on children as young as four - Sunderland Echo