A man with a previous conviction for possessing indecent images of children has been sentenced for breaching a sexual harm prevention order by making suspicious searches on secret devices.

David Carey, 39, of Langdale Close, Longbenton, North Tyneside, was subject to strict restrictions on his internet activity after being caught with child abuse images in 2017. As a result, he was required to notify police about any internet-enabled device he was using.

However, Carey breached this order seven times in December 2022 by using computers at Whitley Bay Library without informing police. He came to the attention of library staff when he inquired about children's audiobooks and mentioned his police involvement and device restrictions.

A further breach was uncovered on December 14 when police responded to a 999 call made by Carey. Upon arrival, an officer observed Carey putting a pink iPod in his pocket. A search of his home revealed another iPod, neither of which had been registered with the police.

Prosecutor Jemima Stephenson informed Newcastle Crown Court that "There was a search history on both devices indicating he may have been trying to access child pornography. The searches included 'extreme incest', 'eight-year-old young' and 'extreme young'."

Carey, who has 14 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to two breaches of the sexual harm prevention order. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to participate in a sex offenders treatment program.

Judge Penny Moreland stated, "I'm not sure if you have grasped, when you search for indecent images, you are looking for pictures of real children who are the victims of sexual abuse in order for you to gain pleasure from it."

Carey's defense attorney, Joe Culley, mentioned that Carey had completed a sex offenders treatment program in 2017 and that his mother's death last year had a significant impact on him.

Culley added, "He lives an extremely isolated existence and a persecuted existence. Those who live near him know of his offending history and his home has been targeted and he has sought to move away. He has family in other areas who have disowned him. He has a referral for an autism assessment."