Man jailed for possession of indecent images of children

A man who was found with indecent images of children on his devices has been jailed.

Christopher Hall, 56, of Widgeon Close, Poynton, previously pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images and videos of children, making indecent images of children, possession of extreme pornographic images, possession of prohibited images of a child, and distribution of indecent images of children.

The 56-year-old appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 5 March where he was sentenced to 16 months.

The case against Hall began on Tuesday 13 December 2022, when officers executed a warrant at his home address and seized a number of devices, as a result of information which had been provided to Cheshire Police.

Hall was present at the property and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing, making, and distributing indecent images of children.

During a subsequent interview Hall admitted possession of the images which were found on his devices.

He was later charged with the offences. This included possession of indecent images and videos of children; making 152 category A indecent images and 147 category A indecent videos; making 164 category B images and 39 category B videos; and making 246 category C images and five category C videos.

He was also charged with possession of 48 extreme pornographic images, one prohibited image of a child, as well as the distribution of five indecent images.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Hall is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years and must sign the sex offender register for 10 years.

Following the sentencing, DC Sam Mutch said:

“I welcome the sentence handed to Hall today, who was left with no choice but to plead guilty after numerous indecent images were discovered on his devices.

“It is important to note that these crimes are not victimless; we are committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who engage in online child sexual exploitation and play a part in the sexual abuse of children.

“I hope this will deter others from committing similar offences.”