Downloaded more than 2,000 indecent images and movies of children.

Stowmarket Man Receives Suspended Sentence for Child Abuse Images

A 26-year-old Stowmarket man, Luke Crighton, was sentenced to a suspended prison term after being found in possession of over 2,000 indecent images and videos of children.

The discovery was made when Crighton took his mobile phone to a Vodafone shop in Ipswich for an upgrade. Staff noticed indecent images on the phone and contacted the police.

Upon his arrest, Crighton admitted to the offenses, stating, "I know I've done wrong. I'm trying to stop and get help. How long will I go to prison for?"

Crighton pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images and videos of children and two counts of producing indecent videos of children.

Police seized other devices from Crighton, which contained a total of 495 still images and 140 videos in the most serious category (A), 319 images and 28 videos in category B, and 1,147 images and 44 videos in category C. They also discovered two category C indecent videos that Crighton had filmed himself.

Judge Emma Peters described Crighton's actions as a "disgusting addiction" and referred to the images and videos as "vile."

Crighton was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, participate in a sex offenders treatment program, and undergo a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

In addition, Crighton, who has a ten-month-old baby, was placed on a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and required to register as a sex offender for the same period. He was also ordered to pay £380 in costs.

Crighton's defense attorney, Claire Matthews, stated that he understood the seriousness of his offenses and had been upfront with both the police and his family about his actions. She mentioned that he had moved back in with his parents, who were supporting his efforts to avoid re-offending.

Matthews also noted that Crighton had completed eight two-hour group work sessions to address his offending behavior.