Man downloaded more than 1,000 indecent images of children

A man who downloaded more than 1,000 indecent images of children has been spared jail.

James Almack, who runs an MoT and service garage, appeared for sentence at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, sitting as Teesside Crown Court, today (July 31) after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images and one count of possessing extreme pornography.

His sordid collection included 312 images rated Category A – the worst kind of such material involving the sexual abuse of children. He also downloaded 480 Category B images and over 300 Category C photos.

The court heard that Almack, 41, had possessed the images for just under a year up to December 2023.

Prosecutor Peter Sabiston said that Almack, from Thornborough, between Bedale and Ripon, made admissions in his first police interview but remained silent in a subsequent quizzing by officers.

Defence barrister Matthew Purves conceded that Almack’s offences were “particularly worrying and unpleasant and of an extreme nature.” His offences had had a profound impact on his family.

He said that Almack, who was a married father, had since been kicked out of the family home and was now living in a caravan.

Almack – of Fore Lane, Thornborough – had never been in trouble before and had an “incredible work ethic”.

He currently employs people at a motor garage and MoT centre, a job he had held for many years.

Recorder Louise Cox said that a “large number” of children were featured in the vile images whose ages were also an aggravating factor in the case.

She noted, however, that Almack had shown remorse and had “displayed exemplary character in your working life”.

She said Almack had “strong personal mitigation” including the fact that his family were financially dependent on him and he had employees.

She said the offences were so serious that only a jail sentence could follow, but that this could be suspended for all the mitigating reasons.

The 12-month prison sentence was suspended for 18 months. During that time, Almack must complete 140 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to sign on the sex-offenders’ register for the next 10 years and made subject to a10-year sexual-harm prevention order to curb his online activities. He was ordered to pay £1,000 prosecution costs and a statutory surcharge.