Ellesmere Port Paedophile Jailed for Continued Child Abuse Images

Mark Donaghey, 58, of Elaine Close, Great Sutton, was sentenced to an extended prison term at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, March 13, for repeatedly downloading and possessing indecent images of children, including those as young as 18 months.

Donaghey, who had previously been convicted of child sexual offenses, was initially arrested in February 2023 for downloading indecent images. Despite being placed on bail and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), he continued to acquire such images.

The court heard that Donaghey had downloaded a staggering number of indecent images across two separate incidents, spanning from March 2018 to October 2023. Analysis of seized devices revealed thousands of images categorized as Category A, B, and C, including videos and prohibited images.

Judge Patrick Thompson, who deemed Donaghey a "very high risk" to the public, particularly children, stated that the defendant's actions demonstrated a "very unhealthy sexual interest in children."

Donaghey was sentenced to a three-year prison term, with a minimum of two-thirds to be served before parole eligibility, followed by a two-year extended license. He was also issued a new lifelong SHPO and deprived of all seized devices.

This case highlights the persistent threat posed by online child abuse and the importance of stringent measures to protect children from harm. Donaghey's continued offending, even while on bail and subject to a SHPO, underscores the need for robust monitoring and intervention strategies for individuals convicted of child sexual offenses.